THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE BILL

INTRODUCED BY GODSHALL, DONATUCCI, J. EVANS, FAIRCHILD, GEIST, GIBBONS, GROVE, HARHAI, KILLION, KORTZ, LONGIETTI, MANN, MELIO, MICOZZIE, MILLER, MURT, O'NEILL, PAYNE, PEIFER, PICKETT, RAPP, REICHLEY, ROCK, SAYLOR, SCAVELLO, SIPTROTH, VULAKOVICH AND FLECK, JANUARY 30, 2009

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JANUARY 30, 2009  

AN ACT

Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An

act relating to the public school system, including certain

provisions applicable as well to private and parochial

schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the

laws relating thereto," further providing for Office for Safe

Schools.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  Section 1302-A(c) of the act of March 10, 1949

(P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949,

amended July 9, 2008 (P.L.846, No.61), is amended to read:

Section 1302-A.  Office for Safe Schools.--* * *

(c)  In addition to the powers and duties set forth under

subsection (a), the office is authorized to make targeted grants

to schools to fund programs which address school violence,

including, but not limited to, the following programs:

(1)  Conflict resolution or dispute management.

(2)  Peer helpers programs.

(3)  Risk assessment, safety-related or violence prevention

curricula.

(4)  Classroom management.

(5)  Student codes of conduct.

(6)  Training to undertake a districtwide assessment of risk

factors that increase the likelihood of problem behaviors among

students.

(7)  Development and implementation of research-based

violence prevention programs that address risk factors to reduce

incidents of problem behaviors among students including, but not

limited to, bullying.

(8)  Comprehensive, districtwide school safety and violence

prevention plans.

(9)  Security planning, purchase of security-related

technology which may include silent alert buttons, metal

detectors, protective lighting, surveillance equipment, special

emergency communications equipment, electronic locksets,

deadbolts and theft control devices and training in the use of

security- related technology. Security planning and purchase of

security- related technology shall be based on safety needs

identified by the school entity's board of directors.

(10)  Institution of student, staff and visitor

identification systems.

(11)  Establishment or enhancement of school security

personnel, including school resource officers.

(12)  Provision of specialized staff and student training

programs, including training for Student Assistance Program team

members in elementary, middle and high schools in the referral

of students at risk of violent behavior to appropriate

community-based services, including mental health services.

(13)  Alternative education programs provided for in Article

XIX-C.

(14)  Counseling services for students enrolled in

alternative education programs.

* * *

Section 2.  This act shall take effect immediately.