SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 36

 By Senators Takubo, Maroney, Azinger, Boley, Boso, Clements, Cline, Drennan, Mann, Rucker, Swope, Sypolt, Weld, Plymale, Unger, Baldwin, and Stollings

[Introduced February 22, 2018]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the readiness and capabilities of public schools for preventing and responding to acts of violence against students and school personnel at school.

Whereas, The safety of West Virginia’s students and teachers is of the upmost importance; and

Whereas, Schools should be places of safety and security for children of all ages; and

Whereas, The threat of a violent act happening in our public schools is ever increasing; and

Whereas, In the wake of numerous school tragedies, the State of West Virginia should examine ways to increase school security; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the readiness and capabilities of public schools for preventing and responding to acts of violence against students and school personnel at school; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the study shall include: effectiveness of current school safety measures such as lockdowns and emergency drills; verification on whether school safety measures are continuing to improve; the need for the appropriation of funds toward promoting school safety, with a focus on the funding of the professional development of law-enforcement officers for the purpose of instructing them on crime prevention within schools; whether laws should be amended in other ways to ensure that preparations of schools within this state are adequate in reducing student vulnerability to violent crimes; and, any other issues relevant to school safety in West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance enlist the assistance of the West Virginia Department of Education, local law enforcement personnel, and first responders in conducting this study; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2019, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.