Local school districts would have access to federal grant funding to install metal detectors under a bill announced by U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) on Monday to help secure schools.
The bill would require school districts that receive grant funding to limit the number of school entrances to make metal detectors more effective. Additionally, school districts that apply for funding would be required to work with local law enforcers on a plan.
“When we decided to make airports safe from armed terrorists, we installed metal detectors and dramatically increased safety,” Granger said. “It’s time we did the same thing for our schools. By helping local schools purchase metal detectors we can stop the scourge of violence in our schools.”
Granger said the measure is a “simple step” that could have a profound impact on school safety.
“This is also a common-sense solution that goes beyond the debates over mental health and guns,” Granger said. “Let’s focus on stopping criminals with guns from entering our schools. This plan will do just that.”
Granger’s bill follows the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead. The tragedy touched off a nationwide debate on gun control.