Duval Times

On April 2, 2025, U.S. Congressmen John H. Rutherford and Joe Neguse introduced H.R. 2577, the Preparing Leaders to Assess Needs (PLAN) for School Safety Act, in Washington, D.C. This bipartisan legislation aims to assist states in establishing school safety development centers. These centers would help schools conduct safety assessments, identify effective safety solutions, and obtain state and federal grant funding.

“Every child has a right to feel safe at school,” said Representative Rutherford. He emphasized the struggle schools face in accessing important resources and expressed that the bill would connect experts with school leaders to enhance participation in safety programs and grants. Drawing on his experience in law enforcement, Rutherford stressed the need for investing in security to prevent violence.

Representative Neguse acknowledged the impact of gun violence on communities in Colorado and the loss of loved ones. He viewed the PLAN Act as a “commonsense step” towards implementing proven solutions to ensure student safety, joining a bipartisan effort to address this pressing issue.

Mark Barden, co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, viewed the legislation as a crucial initiative. “We applaud Reps. Rutherford and Neguse for leading this bipartisan work to support educators and protect children through the PLAN for School Safety Act,” Barden said. He emphasized the act as a sensible measure to fill gaps in current school safety planning, which he believes will lead to more effective prevention of school violence.