Alabama School Security and Student Safety Task Force is Approved

Montgomery – Recognizing the potential threats posed by terrorism and a recent rash of school shootings, the Alabama House on Tuesday approved a resolution by State Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter (R – Rainsville) that creates the School Security and Student Safety Task Force study group.

Ledbetter’s resolution is included in the House Republican Caucus’s “Right for Alabama” legislative agenda that was announced prior to the session’s start.

“Alabama has been extremely fortunate to avoid a violent situation like those that have occurred in schools in other states,” Ledbetter said.  “But in order to ensure that teachers, students, and support staff in Alabama’s public schools are protected from harm, we must be as prepared as possible to prevent or mitigate any violent situation that might arise.”

Ledbetter said the School Security and Student Safety Task Force that is created by his resolution will be comprised of key education, law enforcement, and emergency management leaders from across the state.

The task force will be responsible for completing a comprehensive review and assessment of state laws, regulations, and protocols related to the preparedness of state and local officials to address active shooter situations and security measures in place at Alabama’s K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities.

Once the review is complete and existing gaps are identified, the task force will submit immediate and specific recommendations for improvement to the Alabama Legislature so that steps may be taken to ensure schools are as safe, secure, and protected as possible.