State Rep. Earl Hilliard Jr.’s two-part legislative package to improve school safety was signed into law April 30 by Gov. Bob Riley, and will become law July 1, according to a press release from the Hilliard for Congress campaign.

Hilliard’s legislation requires that each contract awarded for construction of a new public school include a safe space or hallway where students, teachers, and educational support staff can gather during an emergency. Last year, Gov. Riley also signed Rep. Hilliard’s legislation, also to take effect July 1, that established a structure for school safety plans, which mandates that local boards of education adopt school safety plans and protocols.

“These new laws involve collaboration among community law enforcement, emergency responders, teachers, and non-teaching employees, to create a safety plan that fits each individual school,” Hilliard said.

Students will be instructed in safety procedures that involve not only weather emergencies, but also acts or threats of violence.

“Preparation is the key in dealing with potential crises,” Hilliard said.

Quality education is a fundamental right for Alabama’s students and emergency-prepared schools are just one component, Hilliard said.

“The interests of Alabama’s students are at the top of my agenda as I seek the Democratic nomination to represent Alabama’s 7th Congressional District,” he said. “In Washington, I will guard their interests and work to improve our schools.”

Tags: Earl Hilliard Jr, Education Safety Laws

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