Securing Our Schools Act of 2022
Bill: H.R.7979 | Sponsor: Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette (R-IA)
Policy area: Education

Summary:
Securing Our Schools Act of 2022
This bill allows states, territories, tribal governments, metropolitan cities, and local governments to use unobligated Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to carry out school security measures (e.g., trainings and security assessments).

To allow certain funds provided in response to the public health 
  emergency with respect to COVID-19 to be made available for school 
               security measures, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Securing Our Schools Act of 2022''.

SEC. 2. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR SCHOOL SECURITY MEASURES.

    (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the 
unobligated balance of amounts made available under section 602 or 603 
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 802 and 803) to any State, 
territory, Tribal government, metropolitan city, or other units of 
local government (as such terms are defined for purposes of such 
sections) may be made available to carry out school security measures.
    (b) Nonrequirement of Response to Public Health Emergency.--The use 
of amounts pursuant to the authority provided by subsection (a) shall 
not be required to be in response to, or in any way connected with, 
COVID-19 or the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19.
    (c) School Security Measure.--For purposes of this Act, the term 
``school security measure'' means any of the following:
            (1) An evidence-based strategy or program to prevent 
        violence, which may include the use of appropriate 
        technologies, including the placement and use of metal 
        detectors and other deterrent measures and emergency 
        notification and response technologies.
            (2) Training to prevent student violence against others and 
        self, including training for local law enforcement officers, 
        school personnel, and students.
            (3) The development and operation of an anonymous reporting 
        system for threats of school violence, including a mobile 
        telephone application, hotline, or internet website.
            (4) The development and operation of--
                    (A) a school threat assessment and intervention 
                team that may include coordination with law enforcement 
                agencies and school personnel; and
                    (B) specialized training for school officials in 
                responding to mental health crises.
            (5) Coordination with local law enforcement agencies.
            (6) A security assessment.
            (7) Security training of personnel and students.
            (8) Acquisition and installation of technology for 
        expedited notification of local law enforcement during an 
        emergency.
            (9) Reinforcing or replacing classroom doors, locks, or 
        window panels.
            (10) Constructing fencing, bollards, planters, curbs, 
        walls, or any other entry control measure to create a single 
        point of entry to the campus.
            (11) Clearing exterior spaces of foliage or structures to 
        eliminate spaces that could conceal illicit activity, provide 
        access to the building above the first floor, or otherwise aid 
        an intruder.
            (12) Installing a system to monitor hallways, stairwells, 
        and utility rooms, such as physical inspection or surveillance 
        cameras.
            (13) Hiring and paying the salaries of qualified 
        individuals, such as retired law enforcement officers or 
        military veterans, to serve as armed school resource officers.
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