SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — In the state capitol, a set of three bills passed this recent legislative session to improve school safety drill procedures.
One plan would require the Illinois State Board of Education to work with the State Fire Marshall, State Police, and Illinois Emergency Management Agency to develop clear threat assessment procedures and rapid entry response plans.
Lawmakers said this in direct response to the rise of school shootings in the U.S.
“When we drop our kids off at school, we need to know that everything has been done to ensure their safety,” said Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park). “We must not cut corners when it comes to the safety of our children.”
Another proposal would require guidance on how schools handle emergencies involving chemical spills for explosions.
State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) said schools don’t have proper safety drill procedures when it comes to these types of incidents.
“We see this arising out of a chemical spill that happened in Ohio a couple years ago when the school district wasn’t aware of what they should do in the event of a chemical spill,” Keicher said. “Do they keep the kids inside? Do they shut off the HVAC? Do they turn it on? Do they send them home?”
The third bill would require all substitute teachers to be trained in their school districts safety procedures.
State Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Crest Hill) is a former teacher herself. She said substitute teachers should be as prepared for emergencies as much as everyday staff.
“Making sure that even our substitute teachers that might not be there everyday and have that information and trained before they come in is vitally important,” Loughran Cappel said.
All three of these plans have passed both chambers and now head to the Governor’s office to be potentially signed into law.
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