H.R. 2577: Preparing Leaders to Assess Needs for School Safety Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Preparing Leaders to Assess Needs for School Safety Act of 2025, aims to enhance school safety by establishing Regional School Safety Development Centers. These centers will provide essential consulting services to schools to create and improve customized school safety plans based on best practices backed by research.

Key Features of the Bill

• Establishment of School Safety Development Centers: The bill authorizes grants and cooperative agreements for eligible entities to establish or improve Regional School Safety Development Centers. These centers will help schools develop and implement individualized safety plans.
• Customized Consulting Services: The centers will offer personalized consultations to analyze and enhance existing school safety policies and mental health initiatives tailored to the specific needs of the school community.
• Awareness and Training: Centers will create materials to raise awareness about effective school safety measures and provide training for school staff, parents, and students about school safety protocols.
• Funding and Implementation Support: The centers will assist schools in identifying federal and state funding opportunities to implement safety plans, and offer technical assistance in applying for these funds.
• Annual Reporting: The Director of the program will submit annual reports to Congress detailing the implementation progress, including the effectiveness of the safety measures adopted by schools.
• Focus on Rural and Low-Resource Areas: The bill prioritizes eligible entities that serve rural or low-resourced communities in its funding and support efforts.

Funding

The bill proposes an appropriation of $25 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support the activities of the School Safety Development Centers. The federal share of funding for these activities can cover up to 95% of the total costs.

Restrictions on Funding Use

Funds provided under this bill cannot be used to consult on or train in firearm usage or to hire school personnel that these centers would advise.

Reporting Requirements

The Director must provide annual reports to various congressional committees, including insights on the centers' activities, the number of schools assisted, and assessments of the effectiveness of the safety plans developed.

Definitions and Eligible Entities

The bill defines eligible entities as state governments, state educational agencies, tribal educational agencies, and institutions of higher education. The goal is to engage organizations with expertise in comprehensive school safety and climate.

Implementation Oversight

The Director will work alongside the Secretary of Education to ensure the successful implementation of the program, providing technical assistance, hiring subject matter experts, and establishing a Youth Advisory Council to offer guidance on the program's execution.

Rule of Construction

The bill clarifies that it does not change existing legal requirements regarding disability rights or civil rights in schools. It maintains that training related to the use of firearms is not covered by this legislation.

Relevant Companies

• None found