Hawkeye Reporter

Iowa House Republicans have introduced two bills aimed at addressing school safety. House Study Bill 692 focuses on infrastructure improvements, while House Study Bill 675 focuses on personnel readiness in the event of an emergency.

Under House Study Bill 692, schools would be required to conduct a comprehensive review of their safety and emergency response plans and submit them to law enforcement before the 2024-2025 school year. Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of a fund to install radios capable of accessing the Statewide Interoperable Communications System in all school buildings that do not currently have them. This radio system proved crucial in coordinating the response to the shooting at Perry High School.

Furthermore, the bill suggests implementing firearm detection software in three schools of varying sizes through a pilot program. It also establishes a task force responsible for establishing recommended school safety standards in building codes. From 2026 onwards, schools would need to meet these safety standards before utilizing any SAVE funds for athletic facility projects.

Representatives Cater Nordman (R-Panora) and David Young (R-Van Meter) have been instrumental in crafting this legislation. Nordman expressed his determination to see the bill pass, stating, "The heartbreak I saw throughout the Perry community serves as my motivation to work hard to craft effective legislation to keep our students and staff safe in school. I believe this bill will have a real impact on school safety." Young echoed Nordman's sentiment, emphasizing the need for comprehensive safety standards in schools: "Our kids and teachers deserve the gold standard when it comes to safety in our schools...we can fix this and give our students, staff, and parents the safety they deserve."

On the other hand, House Study Bill 675 focuses on personnel readiness. It mandates that schools with an enrollment of over 8,000 students employ at least one school resource officer or private security officer. The bill also establishes a grant program to assist schools in funding these positions. Additionally, it creates a new permit that allows school employees to carry weapons, subject to strict and extensive requirements. This includes one-time, in-person legal training, annual medical training, and communication training. The Department of Public Safety would be responsible for implementing required annual live scenario training and quarterly live firearm training for permitted school employees.

Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Phil Thompson (R-Boone), has taken the lead on House Study Bill 675. He emphasized the importance of having armed personnel on-site, ready to respond in case of a school shooting. Thompson stated, "With this bill, we create a new permit with a strict training regimen that will result in more men and women in school buildings ready to respond to keep students safe."

Currently, House Study Bill 692 is under review by the Appropriations Committee, while House Study Bill 675 is in the Public Safety Committee, with a subcommittee meeting scheduled for Monday at 12:30 PM.

These bills represent a proactive approach by Iowa House Republicans to enhance school safety and protect students and staff.