A new bill that would enhance active shooter plans for schools throughout the state of Texas has been approved by the Texas Senate. Sen. Robert Nichols, a Republican from Jacksonville, filed the bill in reaction to the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde last year, which left 19 students and two teachers dead.
James Barragán of the Texas Tribune reports that the law makes it more mandatory for schools and school districts to provide active shooter training. In order to guarantee that schools prepare active shooter plans and adhere to best practices, it also establishes a security and safety section within the Texas Education Administration.
In spite of being obliged to have one, more than half of Texas schools did not have an active shooter plan as of last year, according to an audit conducted following the shooting in Uvalde. Additionally, four out of five did not adhere to best practices. Therefore, it’s really strengthening that section and addressing some truancy laws.
Legislators and some education advocates have applauded the bill’s passing, but some are worried that it doesn’t provide schools with enough financing, Barragán continues. There is considerable worry that there won’t be enough money to carry out all the requests made by the bill for the schools.