Iowa House Republicans have unveiled two bills aimed at enhancing school safety measures in the aftermath of the school shooting last month at Perry High School. The first bill, HSB 692, primarily focuses on infrastructure improvements, mandating schools to conduct comprehensive safety reviews and submit emergency response plans to law enforcement by the 2024-2025 school year. The bill establishes a fund for installing radios connected to the Statewide Interoperable Communications System (ISICS) to enhance coordination between responding agencies. The legislation also proposes a pilot program implementing firearm detection software in three schools and forming a task force to develop recommended safety standards in building codes. The other bill, HSB 675, concentrates on personnel readiness, requiring schools with over 8,000 students to employ at least one school resource officer or private security officer. This bill also introduces a permit allowing trained school employees to carry weapons, accompanied by rigorous training requirements. HSB 692 is under review by the Appropriations Committee, while House Study Bill 675 is in the Public Safety Committee.
Iowa House Republicans Release Two School Safety Bills
