Student Safety Act Would Require Security Standards in New Buildings

State Rep. John Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake) recently introduced the “Student Safety Act,” bipartisan legislation to increase student safety by requiring specific security features for newly-constructed school buildings. 

“We are all aware of the dangerous –and often tragic– situations that arise due to security breaches in our schools,” said Rep. Rogers “The Student Safety Act would address root building security problems by requiring some basic security features in new buildings. Doing so will save money in the long-run, as theses features are much more expensive to retrofit in existing school facilities.”

The Student Safety Act specifies that a minimum of two of the following safety enhancements be included in new school design and construction: surveillance video or entryway metal detectors; direct entrance and exit routes that can only be accessed from inside a classroom; two-way communication systems between classroom and administrative offices;  “panic buttons” to directly alert local law enforcement agencies and/or a barrier system to lock down portions of a building if a threat is identified. 

“This measure is a commonsense approach that would enhance the overall safety of students and staff in our local schools,” said Rep. Rogers.

The Student Safety Act has strong support from both Republicans and Democrats in the House. The bill will soon receive a number and be referred to a standing House committee for further consideration.