Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) has introduced H.R. 6613, the Preparing Leaders to Assess Needs (PLAN) for School Safety Act, with the aim of making schools safer. The bill proposes the establishment of school safety development centers that will assist schools in conducting safety assessments, identifying evidence-based solutions, and accessing grant funding.

In a statement, Congressman Rutherford emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of every child in school. He acknowledged the federal resources that have already been made available to improve security measures in schools. However, he recognized that many schools struggle to find and apply for these resources. Rutherford believes that the PLAN for School Safety Act will address this issue by connecting subject matter experts with school leaders, making it easier for them to participate in school safety programs and grants.

Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, commended members of Congress for their efforts in ensuring the safety of children through the PLAN Act. Barden stated, "The PLAN Act unlocks the critical support required for effective planning paramount to keeping our schools and communities safe."

Congressman Rutherford's commitment to school safety is not new. He previously shepherded the STOP School Violence Act through the U.S. House of Representatives, resulting in $702 million of school safety funding being allocated since 2018. Max Schachter, father of Parkland shooting victim Alex Schachter and Founder of Safe Schools for Alex, praised Rutherford for his dedication to reducing violence in schools. Schachter said, "By introducing the PLAN for School Safety Act today, Rep. Rutherford along with Rep. Neguse, are giving schools the necessary resources they need to reduce the epidemic of violence our children face every day."

The PLAN for School Safety Act has received additional cosponsorship from several representatives, including Reps. Joe Neguse (CO-02), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Lou Correa (CA-46), John James (MI-10), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

With the introduction of H.R. 6613, Rutherford aims to provide schools with the resources they need to enhance security measures and prevent violence. The bill seeks to bridge the gap between available federal resources and schools' ability to access and utilize them effectively. The establishment of school safety development centers will facilitate assessments and the implementation of evidence-based solutions. By prioritizing school safety, Congressman Rutherford demonstrates his commitment to preventing future tragedies and ensuring that every child can learn in a secure environment.

To find out more, go to this link: https://rutherford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rutherford-introduces-legislation-make-schools-safer