SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Senate Education Committee unanimously approved a plan Tuesday to help first responders get inside schools faster during emergencies.
The legislation could require the Illinois State Board of Education to work the State Fire Marshal, State Police, and Illinois Emergency Management Agency to develop clear threat assessment procedures and rapid entry response plans.
Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Tinley Park) said it is concerning to see that there is no standardized procedure for schools to follow if an emergency occurs. Hastings previously served on a school board covering schools in Will and Cook Counties. Several of those schools received shooting threats last year following the mass shooting at Apalachee High School that left four people dead.
"The way they handled it was very professional," Hastings said. "However, it caused a lot of discussion in our district as to how school districts handle these from a local and state standpoint."
The proposal would call for emergency rules to be implemented based on procedures agreed on by state and local officials. Senate Bill 2057 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.
"When we drop our kids off at school, we need to know that everything has been done to ensure their safety," Hastings said. "We must not cut corners when it comes to the safety of our children."
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