H.R. 1335: Measures for Safer School Districts Act

The bill titled "Measures for Safer School Districts Act" (MSD Act) is designed to enhance safety in elementary and secondary schools by implementing new emergency response protocols and improving school security features. Here are the main components of the bill:

Emergency Response and Parental Notification Procedures

Local educational agencies that receive federal funding would be required to establish and implement emergency response procedures for public schools. These procedures must:

• Cover all students, faculty, and staff.
• Notify parents and guardians of threats and emergencies occurring on school grounds, during transportation, or at school-sponsored activities in a timely manner.

The procedures must be developed in consultation with public safety agencies and include specific alarm responses for different emergencies. It also requires identification of the primary emergency response agency for each type of threat and the designated individuals responsible for communication with those agencies.

Covered threats and emergencies include, but are not limited to:

• Weapons possession with intent to harm.
• Active shooter and hostage situations.
• Bomb threats.
• Murder and homicide.
• Sex offenses involving students and school personnel.
• Trespassing and fires.
• Natural disasters and severe weather.
• Exposure to harmful substances due to manmade emergencies.

Installation or Modification of Doors

The bill mandates that the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) form a committee to develop recommendations on requiring the installation or enhancement of interior and exterior doors in federally funded schools. This committee would include stakeholders such as:

• Law enforcement representatives.
• School safety personnel.
• Teachers and school administrators.
• Experts in safety technology and school construction.

The committee will focus on standards and specifications for reinforced doors, considering factors such as:

• Performance and effectiveness of security doors.
• Impact on law enforcement and evacuation procedures.
• Long-term durability and maintenance of installations.

A report on the committee's findings and recommendations must be submitted to Congress within a year, followed by the issuance of a final rule to establish requirements for door modifications within six months of the report.

Additionally, the bill sets aside $100 million for the State Homeland Security Grant Program to finance these installations and modifications over a ten-year period.

Funding and Implementation Timeline

The legislation authorizes federal funding to support the outlined safety measures and requires timely compliance from local educational agencies to ensure the swift implementation of the proposed security enhancements.

Relevant Companies

• ALGN (Align Technology) - May be involved in providing safety technology solutions or modifications to school environments.
• OSI (Olympus Corporation) - Could supply security technology and equipment for reinforced doors or alarm systems.