Rep. Fedor Announces Support for School Safety Bill
Legislation seeks to expand officer safety training, mental
health resources in Ohio schools
State Rep. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) last week announced her
support for House Bill (HB) 318, which allocates $10 million
for school resource officer (SRO) training, purchasing
school safety equipment, and providing educational and
mental health resources to Ohio schools.
“Standardizing and funding school resource officer training
and mental health services for students are critically
important methods of protecting our students, teachers and
school staff,” said Fedor. “This legislation will better
prepare our school resource officers as it seeks to prevent
violence by supporting mental health resources. This is the
multi-pronged approach to school safety Ohio needs.”
While state law currently allows school districts to hire
school resource officers, there are no standards in place to
regulate the official duties and responsibilities for these
officers. HB 318 would require SROs to complete an approved
training program, with an additional 40 hours of instruction
specific to performing in school environments, including
classroom management, de-escalation techniques and a focus
on communication skills to facilitate positive student
interactions.
HB 318 also allocates $10 million for noncompetitive, one
time grants to be used for SRO certification training, the
purchase and installation of school safety devices and
educational and mental health resources for all grade
levels.
“Our children should not be living in fear that they may
leave for school one morning and never return home to their
loved ones. School should be a safe space where children can
learn and grow to reach their full potential,” said Fedor.
“I look forward to the positive changes this bill will bring
to not only Toledo students, but all Ohio students.”
After passing the House 89-1, the bill now moves to the
Senate for consideration.
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