By State Senator Page Walley
Weeks ago, storms ravaged our district, and in McNairy County, we had nine souls that were lost. Across the district lives were shattered and properties devastated. It was a night that will live in people’s memories forever, yet the sun came up Saturday morning and there was an extraordinary spirit of compassion and support shown by our citizens to assist in recovery efforts.
Also, all state resources are being brought to support recovery and clean-up efforts. I am grateful that Governor Lee requested an emergency declaration, which was approved by President Biden or the state to receive federal emergency assistance.
In the General Assembly we are exploring ways to financially help those affected by these storms with property tax relief. I am sponsoring a legislative measure that will ensure citizens are not paying an unfair property tax on property damaged as a result of the storms.
Enhancing school security leads the week on Capitol Hill
After the deadly attack on the Covenant School in Nashville, Governor Bill Lee and lawmakers announced additional actions to strengthen safety at public and private schools across Tennessee. These measures include legislation to provide than $200 million allocated in the budget to place an armed security guard at every Tennessee public school, boost physical security at public and private schools and provide additional mental health resources for Tennesseans.
School security has been a priority for us over recent years, with comprehensive legislation proposed this year that would strengthen security at every public school in the state and enhance accountability in school safety protocol. Additionally, the Governor’s initial budget proposal included $30 million for 122 Homeland Security agents to serve students at both public and private schools in every Tennessee county.
We have made great strides on school safety in the past few years, but more needs to be done. Hardening security at our public and private schools can no longer be just a priority, it is now an imperative.
Department of Finance and Administration Commissioner Jim Bryson presented Governor Lee’s amended budget proposal to our Senate Finance Committee on which I serve, which included:
$30 million to expand a statewide homeland security network with 122 agents serving students at both public and private schools
$140 million to establish a School Resource Officer (SRO) grant fund to place a trained, armed security guard at every public school
$20 million for public school security upgrades
$7 million for private school security upgrades
$8 million for additional school-based behavioral health liaisons across the state
Also last week, our Senate Education Committee passed enhanced school safety legislation that would:
Enact a multi-tiered accountability plan to require exterior doors of public and private schools are locked while students are present, with opportunities for corrective action. State and local law enforcement will be authorized to check for unlocked doors.
Require that private security guards are held to a high standard and receive active shooter training prior to being posted at Tennessee schools.
Require every public and private school to develop annual safety plans, which must include a newly required incident command drill for school leaders and law enforcement to prepare for various emergencies.
Require all newly-built schools to:
Install classroom door locks that lock from the inside
Secure vestibules for visitor entry
Require the installation of a clear bullet-resistant or entry-resistant film on the glass panel of any exterior entry or basement-level window to prevent individuals from entering who are not allowed.
Require camera systems to continuously monitor each entrance hallway and communal area.
Require school districts to share their annual safety plans, floor plans and access to security systems with law enforcement.
There is nothing more important than the safety of our students. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly on this proposal to provide safe learning environments for all students, regardless of where they go to school.
Strong security, which includes armed SROs, is imperative to ensuring the safety of students, teachers and staff. I am glad we are working to provide a significant investment in school-based mental health liaisons to provide important services to those experiencing mental health crises.
We have a few weeks remaining in the 2023 legislative session, and the budget will be an important focus in the weeks ahead. I will continue to be a strong advocate for our district in budget discussion. Please reach out to me at sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov if I can assist you.
