Bill > HB1417

This bill creates the School Access for Emergency Response (SAFER) Act, which establishes a grant program to help Oklahoma schools improve their emergency communication capabilities. The bill defines numerous terms related to emergency communications and creates a grant program administered by the State Department of Education to provide funding for schools to develop interoperable communication systems with first responders. Schools can use the grants to deliver training programs based on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines, implement interoperable communication technology, and improve existing communication hardware and software. A seven-member grant selection committee will be formed to review applications, with members appointed by the Governor, legislative leaders, the Commissioner of Public Safety, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Schools must have a memorandum of understanding with local public safety answering points and law enforcement agencies to be eligible for grants. A new revolving fund will be created to support the program, with a maximum annual expenditure of $5 million. Grant recipients will be required to submit annual reports detailing how they used the grant money, including the number of schools that received training or technology upgrades and the estimated number of students who benefited. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2025, with the goal of enhancing school safety and emergency response capabilities across Oklahoma.

Budget and Finance, Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb1417&Session=2600