The plan, introduced by Harris and colleagues from both sides of the aisle, resulted from a bipartisan task force established by the House of Representatives after the 2021 shooting at Oxford High School. The bills incorporate expertise from educators, parents, mental health professionals, and law enforcement, aiming to improve statewide coordination, support, and standards for school safety and student mental health.

“School should be safe places — protective environments where students can learn from their teachers, make friends, and achieve their full potential,” said Harris. “When I served as a school resource officer, I did my duty to keep students, teachers, and staff safe. And we in the Legislature have a duty to uphold safety in our communities and at our schools.

“This bipartisan plan will protect students, support their mental health needs, and give parents peace of mind that their kids will be learning safely at school.”

Four bills in the plan became law early this year after passing the Legislature in December. The laws permanently established a School Safety and Mental Health Commission to coordinate with local schools, recommend school safety and mental health practices, and publish an annual report on its findings. The new laws also establish standard terminology so school officials and first responders can communicate clearly in emergencies.

Harris celebrated House passage of the rest of the plan, including his House Bill 4223, which would require standard training on safety and mental health protocols for all school staff, security personnel, and resource officers.

“My plan will create standard emergency response training for school resource offices, teachers, and other staff,” Harris said. “Every adult at our schools should be prepared for emergencies — so they can lead students and save lives.”

The plan would:

• Plan for safety. Because threats and technology are constantly changing, schools would be required to review and update their safety plans every three years in consultation with their ISD-level safety manager.
• Implement training for responding to school safety crises. Schools would be required to provide uniform, comprehensive school safety and security training for school resource officers and all staff. The plan would also require necessary safety drills for staff and students.
• Expand and improve OK2SAY, the state’s confidential tip line for reporting school-related threats, misconduct, or mental health crises. Contact information for OK2SAY would be placed on school ID cards for easy student access. Reporting and tips received by OK2SAY would be promptly shared with school officials and local law enforcement; tips would also be provided quarterly to the School Safety and Mental Health Commission to inform ongoing research. The plan also lays out higher standards and new reporting definitions for OK2SAY.

HBs 4222-4223, 4225-4226, 4229, 4258-4259, and 4315 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and now advance to the Senate for consideration. Harris said House passage of the plan is an important step toward safer schools.

“Let’s continue finding ways to support students and keep them safe,” he added.