Bill > SB027

This bill addresses the mental health challenges faced by Colorado youth by establishing a work group to develop trauma-informed practices for school safety drills. The bill recognizes the growing mental health crisis among students and aims to create a more supportive approach to school safety preparedness. The work group, comprised of 16 diverse members including educators, healthcare professionals, parents, and a student, will be tasked with identifying best practices for implementing trauma-informed school safety drills that minimize psychological distress. Key responsibilities include determining the frequency of drills, training requirements for school personnel, advance notice to parents, and guidance for supporting students during and after safety exercises. The work group must submit a comprehensive report within one year, accounting for the different needs of elementary and secondary schools. Importantly, the work group will be funded entirely through gifts, grants, and donations, with no additional state general fund money allocated. The bill's ultimate goal is to maintain students' mental health and emotional stability while ensuring school safety preparedness, with provisions for the work group's findings to be presented to various state education committees and officials.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-027