Bill > H4128

This bill aims to promote local control and effective training of school resource officers (SROs). It amends existing law to require the chief of police to assign SROs who have specialized training in working with children and adolescents, including de-escalation techniques and alternatives to arrest. The bill also mandates the development of a written memorandum of understanding between the superintendent and the chief of police, outlining the roles and responsibilities of SROs, as well as their limitations in serving as disciplinarians or addressing traditional school discipline issues. Furthermore, the bill establishes a school resource officer training program within the municipal police training committee, which will provide grants to cover tuition and fees for training SROs, police supervisors, and school administrators on topics such as child development, de-escalation, diversion strategies, and program administration. The training program will also develop a certification process for SROs and set minimum training standards for these officers.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H4128