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Minutes for HB2773 - Committee on Appropriations
Short Title
Creating the Kansas safe and secure schools act.
Minutes Content for Fri, Mar 16, 2018
Chairman Waymaster opened the hearing on the bill.
Jill Wolters, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, provided a briefing on the bill (Attachment 1). The bill creates the Kansas safe and secure schools act. The bill would authorize the Department of Education to create a School Safety and Security Grant Program, in the amount of $5 million funded by the State General Fund (SGF). The State Board of Education would establish curriculum guidelines based on the Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program or other evidence-based programs for firearm safety education program.
Jill Wolters responded to questions from committee members. In regards to disbursement of funds, the board would review applications for the grant according to the standards adopted by the board. As the bill stands, there is no match requirement. Concern was expressed regarding the state's liability, and she stated that language could be added that the state does not assume liability for any actions that occur.
Representative Eric Smith presented testimony as a proponent of the bill (Attachment 2). He emphasized the importance of the 2 FTE position to make the program a proactive one, the need for a working relationship between schools and local law enforcement; financial means for enhanced security, education for schools on security, and defenses in emergency situations and educating children in regard to safety with firearms.
Representative Smith responded to questions from committee members. He stated that law enforcement would work with schools to design a safety plan that pertains to the school's environment. Funding for the safety plan would be a starting point, but actual costs would vary per school based on what is presently in place and the number of schools participating.
Mark Tallman, Associate Executive Director, Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB), presented testimony as a proponent of the bill representing KASB and the United School Administrators (Attachment 3). The bill would provide assistance, guidance. and a resource for the safety of children in their community. He emphasized the need for the State Board of Education to develop statewide standards in consultation with local school districts and local agencies, as appropriate, to adopt safety and security plans. He stated that the board does not believe that the state should dictate specific curriculum requirements, but could include language so the board would have options. The board was unclear as to the meaning of requiring such instruction be provided to all students. The recommendation would be to remove lines 20 through 23 of the bill.
Mark Tallman responded to questions from committee members. He stated the importance of tailoring a safety plan that includes feedback from individuals in their communities, additional staff for record keeping and updated school safety plans, and the opportunity for students to opt out of the program. The constitution states that the State Board of Education has general supervision, the Legislature shall make suitable provisions for finance, and public schools shall be maintained, developed and operated by locally elected boards.
Doug Jorgenson, State Fire Marshal, presented testimony as a proponent of the bill (Attachment 4). The agency inspects all K-12 schools on an annual basis under current statute, adopted rules and regulations of the fire and life safety codes. A review of the Door-locking devices guide followed. He requested that consideration be given to adding the State Fire Marshall to those that the board shall consult with on the safety plan.
Mark Desetti, Kansas National Education Association, provided testimony as a proponent of the bill (Attachment 5). Although supportive of the bill, concern was expressed for the inadequacy of the funding, He used the example of the cost for one metal detector of $3,500, if placed in every school this would be a a cost of $5.6 million, door intruder locks are at at cost of $200 per lock for a total of $320,000 for all schools, the blast proof window per school would cost $1.7 million for a total cost of $7.6 million. Support of the bill and common core safety standards was expressed.
Mark Desetti responded to questions from committee members. He stated that there is a lot of work to be done to address these safety issues, which also include gun laws, mental health provisions, domestic violence issues, and addressing gun safety issues with children.
Chairman Waymaster closed the hearing on the bill.
