Resolve, Directing the Department of Education To Examine School Security

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  it is crucial to school safety to ensure the Department of Education has sufficient time to collect information and develop recommendations regarding school security by January 15, 2014; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Department of Education to examine school security. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall gather information from school administrative units regarding the preparedness of schools to implement required emergency management plans and the present condition of school facilities in terms of facility security in the event of an emergency. The department, based on the information collected and in consultation with appropriate security experts, shall evaluate school preparedness and facility security and shall develop recommendations for prudent measures that may be taken to improve preparedness and facility security. The department shall report its findings and recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs by January 15, 2014. The department shall ensure that information collected or compiled relating to security plans, security procedures and risk assessments is protected from public disclosure in accordance with the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 1, section 402, subsection 3, paragraph L and is presented in its report in a manner that allows for assessment of deficiencies without revealing any information that could jeopardize the security of schools. The Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs may report out a bill relating to the subject matter of the report to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature; and be it further

Sec. 2. Appropriations and allocations. Resolved: That the following appropriations and allocations are made.

EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF

School Finance and Operations Z078

Initiative: Provides one-time funds for the costs associated with contracting with security experts to evaluate school preparedness and facility security.

GENERAL FUND	2013-14	2014-15
All Other	$49,750	$0
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$49,750	$0

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.