Smucker's call for classroom panic buttons included in school safety bill

The STOP School Violence Act includes funding for the purchase and installation of panic buttons in classrooms.
The STOP School Violence Act includes funding for the purchase and installation of panic buttons in classrooms. | File photo

A bill recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at preventing school violence includes Rep. Lloyd Smucker's (R-PA) provision for installing panic buttons in classrooms. 

The Student, Teachers and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Act is designed to empower students, school administrators and teachers, and law enforcement officials. The bill includes a provision Smucker co-sponsored that provides federal funding to local and state governments for the installation of classroom panic buttons. 

“The safety of our children is paramount, especially in our schools," Smucker said in statement. "This legislation empowers students, teachers, administration officials, and law enforcement to better identify and intervene before there is an act of violence in our schools."

According to a news release issued by Smucker's office, the legislation includes awarding school districts 75 percent of equipment and installation costs, up to $200,000, for panic buttons in the classrooms. The provision also includes the additional 25 precent of the cost to be funded by the states. The panic buttons would immediately alert law enforcement and first responders of an emergency.

“Schools should be places where students can learn and dream big," Smucker said in his statement. "I remain committed to the ongoing discussion of school safety and firearms, and welcome further input from my constituents on this topic."




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