Bill > S387

This bill aims to enhance school safety by redefining the role of school resource officers (SROs) and promoting alternative safety practices. The bill modifies existing law to specify that SROs cannot serve as school disciplinarians or replace licensed mental health professionals, and their involvement should be limited to addressing serious criminal conduct that poses substantial physical harm or involves willful property damage. Police chiefs must assign at least one SRO to schools upon superintendent request, with approval from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Superintendents are now required to provide detailed annual reports on SRO costs, mental health support budgets, and student-police interactions, including disaggregated data on arrests, citations, and other interactions. The bill also introduces a grant program to help school districts transition to "holistic school health and safety practices" that focus on relationship-building, conflict resolution, and support systems without relying on law enforcement. These grants can fund staff training, creating safety teams, and implementing practices like restorative justice, with preference given to schools with higher percentages of low-income students. Importantly, the bill prohibits using grant funds for metal detectors, weapons, surveillance technology, or hiring security personnel, emphasizing a shift towards preventative and supportive school safety approaches.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S387