Senator Boxer: Making Our Schools Safer

September 19, 2007

I am very pleased to tell you that the Senate Judiciary Committee recently approved my legislation as part of a package of bills to make America’s schools and students safer.

This spring I introduced S. 1217, the School Safety Enhancements Act of 2007.  This bill would strengthen an existing grant program through the Department of Justice for partnerships between local law enforcement and schools to implement enhanced safety measures.  S. 1217 adds tiplines, surveillance equipment, and capital improvements to the list of approved safety enhancements and also requires the Departments of Justice and Education to collaborate and develop a set of advisory guidelines on school safety.

On August 3, 2007, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved the School Safety and Law Enforcement Improvement Act, a comprehensive package of six bills aimed at strengthening law enforcement and school safety across the nation.  The School Safety Enhancements Act is Title I of this package.  Other parts of the package would improve the National Instant Criminal Background System, provide grants and benefits for law enforcement officers on rail lines and at private colleges and universities, and fund pilot programs on school safety.

Protecting our children in school has never been more important than now.  In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, we must act now to fulfill our obligation to parents and students across the country to provide safe places of education.  The School Safety and Law Enforcement Improvement Act is a major step forward in protecting America’s schools and students.  Be assured that I will keep working with my colleagues to pass this landmark legislation and see it signed into law.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

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