The South Dakota House committee has voted 11-4 to send a $10 million school safety proposal to appropriations with a “do not pass” recommendation. The bill, HB 1035, would create a five-year, $2 million annual grant program for districts and accredited non-public schools to fund safety upgrades. Eligibility for the grants would be contingent on completed security assessments, threat assessment teams, and board approval. Supporters argue that the bill is crucial for protecting students statewide, citing the need for effective measures against acts of violence.
However, concerns were raised about the proposal’s cost and its impact on lean budgets. Large School Group lobbyist Diana Miller expressed support for safety measures but highlighted the challenges of limited resources, especially in the wake of recent cuts to other programs. Despite these challenges, the bill outlines the use of funds for various safety enhancements, such as access control, cameras, panic buttons, lighting, doors, locks, fencing, gates, and barriers, as recommended by assessments.
The referral of HB 1035 to appropriations for further debate reflects the need for lawmakers to balance competing budget priorities with calls to strengthen school security infrastructure. Education Secretary Joe Graves emphasized the importance of taking reasonable steps to bolster security and reassurance for students. The bill seeks to provide essential funding for safety upgrades in schools across the state, addressing concerns about the vulnerability of students to acts of violence.
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