Miller's school safety bill passes through State Senate

INDIANAPOLIS -- Legislation authored by District 24 State Sen. Pete Miller (R-Avon) to help interested school corporations put resource officers in their buildings passed the State Senate Monday by a 43-7 vote.

Senate Bill 1 provides funding for school resource officers (SROs). The officers would be charged with protecting schools from external dangers by conducting threat assessments and implementing emergency preparedness plans.

SROs would work in conjunction with school safety specialists, teachers or administrators to help with security measures. Miller's bill would also allow counties to create school safety councils to review existing safety plans and develop new security ideas for school corporations.

"This bill is all about protecting our schoolchildren," the senator said. "With the Newtown tragedy happening late last year, school safety has been on the minds of millions of Americans.

"The link between schools and local law enforcement agencies is the most important part of the bill," Miller added. "These professionals will be more than armed guards; they will be fully trained police officers."

Sen. Miller noted that officers wanting to serve in schools would be required to complete 40 hours of specialized training.

The proposed program would be funded through the Secured Schools Fund.

School corporations that are interested could apply for two-year grants of up to $50,000, which require local matching funds.

"I believe Senate Bill 1 is a step in the right direction," Miller said. "It's designed to provide the tools and resources necessary to keep schools secure."

The bill will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

In Putnam County, District 24 State Sen. Miller represents Russell, Franklin, Jackson, Clinton, Monroe, Floyd, Madison and Marion townships, as well as five precincts in Greencastle Township -- Greencastle North, Limedale, First North, Second East and Second West.