Bill > HB0399

This bill establishes the "Protecting Tennessee Schools and Events Act," which creates a pilot grant program to help local educational agencies (LEAs) in distressed or at-risk counties purchase portable walk-through metal detectors for schools. By July 1, 2025, the Department of Education will award grants to eligible LEAs, with the intent of providing each qualifying LEA up to three metal detectors, at a maximum cost of $16,000 per detector. The bill specifies detailed requirements for these metal detectors, including features like processing at least 25 individuals per minute, an open-top design, accessibility for wheelchairs, customizable alarm settings, multi-zone light arrays, and a battery that can operate continuously for six hours. LEAs must use a competitive procurement process that prioritizes vendors offering additional safety features like visitor management systems and real-time monitoring. The vendors will be required to provide on-site training and conduct data collection, focusing on aggregate trends such as total detector activations, types of detected items, and interventions made. The collected data will be reported annually to the LEA and then to the state education committees, with the goal of assessing the effectiveness of the metal detectors in enhancing school safety. Importantly, the bill stipulates that no funds will be obligated unless specifically appropriated by the general appropriations act.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0399&ga=114