Rep. Valadao Votes to Stop School Violence

Statement

Today, with support from Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21), legislation to improve violence prevention programs in schools and coordinate with law enforcement to improve school safety was passed by the United States House of Representatives.

H.R. 4909, the Student, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Act of 2018, which was introduced by Congressman John Rutherford (FL-04), creates a grant program to train students, teachers, school officials, and local law enforcement how to identify and intervene early when signs of violence arise, establishes a coordinated reporting system, and implements FBI and Secret Service threat assessment protocols to prevent school violence before it occurs.

Congressman Valadao, who voted in favor of the legislation stated, "Ensuring schools have the resources they need to identify and prevent potential threats is absolutely imperative. This bipartisan bill will reauthorize the Secure our Schools program, ensuring law enforcement and educators have the tools they need to keep students safe." He continued, "This bill is another step in the right direction as we continue our work to improve public safety throughout the country. In December, the House passed legislation to strengthen reporting requirements for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The Senate must follow in our footsteps and take action on these critical initiatives."

Specifically, in an effort to stop violence in schools, H.R. 4909, the STOP School Violence Act will:

- Provide resources to train students, teachers, and law enforcement on how to recognize and respond to warning signs

- Create an anonymous reporting system for tips

- Authorize funding for technology to improve school safety

Source