The U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be required to draft a comprehensive strategy to enhance school security and to clarify allowable uses of schools safety grants, under a bill recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Introduced by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) on May 9, the Securing Our Schools Act (H.R. 5731) would require the DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) to draft a school security strategy that assesses current efforts, enhances coordination between DHS and state and local governments, and makes recommendations for additional steps to secure schools.
“Ensuring the security and well-being of our students and teachers is of the utmost importance,” McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, said. “The recent school shootings, like the one at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school, highlight the vulnerability of our education institutions. My bill requires the secretary to draft a DHS-wide school security strategy and ensures the department’s grant programs can be used to enhance school security. Lastly, it authorizes the Office of Academic Engagement to conduct outreach to facilitate effective communication with schools on available DHS programs and other assistance.”
The bill would clarify that funding available through the State Homeland Security Grant Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative could be used for school security activities like planning, training, exercises, information sharing, and target hardening.
By authorizing the DHS Office of Academic Engagement within the Office of Partnership and Engagement, H.R. 5731 would also ensure that an executive director is tasked with outreach and coordination between DHS and educational institutions.
The House Homeland Security Committee is scheduled to markup the bill this week.