Bill > HB2770

This bill establishes the Virginia School Safety Preparedness Fund and Grant Program within the state treasury, designed to support school safety and emergency medical preparedness efforts. The bill creates a special nonreverting fund that can receive appropriations, gifts, and donations, with the primary purpose of awarding grants to schools (from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade) to implement best practices for handling extreme-trauma injuries. The grants will support training programs and equipment purchases focused on life-saving trauma care, including teaching staff and potentially students how to respond to medical emergencies ranging from singular to mass casualty events. The program will specifically cover training in treating bleeding, massive hemorrhaging, and penetrating chest wounds, and will allow schools to acquire medical equipment such as tourniquets, compression bandages, chest seals, and protective gear. The Department overseeing the program must establish clear guidelines for grant awards, conduct annual trainings, and submit a comprehensive annual report to the General Assembly detailing the number of grants awarded, trainings conducted, medical equipment purchased, and participating schools. Up to 5% of the fund can be used for training purposes, and up to 70% can be used for administration, ensuring that the majority of funds directly support school safety initiatives.