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03/29/2024 03:07 AM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=15380
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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: December 1, 2014 10:35 AM
From: Senator Rob Teplitz
To: All Senate members
Subject: Legislation – School Security Drills
 
In the near future, I plan on introducing legislation that would require all public schools in Pennsylvania to conduct school security drills. A school security drill allows school staff and students to practice procedures that are used during an emergency situation such as an active shooter or a lockdown drill. School staff and students must practice emergency response procedures to better prepare and protect themselves and others during emergencies.

Since the Connecticut school shootings in 2012, lawmakers across the country have been looking for ways to strengthen school safety and preparedness. Over the years, the majority of states have been required to conduct fire drills, but not lockdown or school intruder drills. Because the procedures for these types of drills are different, it is so important for educators, students, and staff to know how to protect themselves against these types of threats.

Currently, Pennsylvania law requires schools to conduct monthly fire drills, one tornado or other disaster drill, and two school bus emergency evacuation drills each year. While schools may be practicing “lockdown” drills and other types of intruder drills, they are not required to so by law. My legislation would require that schools conduct a school security drill at least twice per year. In an effort to minimize lost learning time, my legislation permits schools to replace two of the required monthly fire drills with the security drills.

Please join me in sponsoring this legislation.



Introduced as SB515