A measure requiring schools to create safety plans and lockdown procedures failed to pass the House. Senate Bill 89 required superintendents to appoint school safety teams who would work with local law enforcement officials to construct a safety plan. The measure also required schools to run a lockdown drill at least once per year. Representative Scott Munsterman of Brookings says it’s unfortunate but because of a rise in school shootings schools have to be prepared.
"We need to have this in statute so we can insure consistency in the safety of our kids," says Munsterman.
Opponents of the measure say this is a mandate on schools. They say this is something that school officials can take care of at the local level.
Senate Bill 89 failed to pass the House by a vote of 30 to 37.