Portantino School Safety Bill Passes Assembly Education Committee

Sacramento, California – Senate Bill 671, authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank), passed the Assembly Education Committee today. The measure addresses comprehensive school safety procedures and is sponsored by the Glendale Police Department.

“Tragic acts of violence remain all too common on our campuses and cannot be ignored,” stated Senator Portantino. “To ensure student safety, it’s important that our schools are prepared to assess and respond to threats of violence on campus.”

Between 2020-21, there were 93 school shootings at public and private elementary and secondary schools nationwide. This statistic is the highest since the 2000-2001 school year. Furthermore, data from the California Department of Education indicates that there were nearly 47,000 suspensions and expulsions statewide during the 2021-22 school year stemming from violent incidents that resulted in an injury.

SB 671 would require that school safety plans also include procedures to assess and respond to reports or threats of dangerous, violent or unlawful activity occurring on campus, at school-sponsored events or on a school bus. When developing these procedures within the school safety plan, schoolsite councils would be required to consult with law enforcement, the fire department and other first responder entities pursuant to the provisions in existing law.

“I am proud to support SB 671, which recognizes the crucial importance of student safety,” stated Manuel Cid, City of Glendale Police Chief. “By mandating specific procedures to address threats of violence and unlawful activity, this bill strengthens comprehensive school safety plans, making our schools safer for California students. I extend my gratitude to Senator Anthony Portantino for championing this vital legislation.”

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