HB97 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 16-1-44 to require mental health awareness training be included in the annual employee training session for school lockdown procedures.

• Requires local boards of education to develop comprehensive school emergency operations plans addressing security, fire, and severe weather threats with four alert levels: Heightened Awareness, Secure Your Area of Responsibility, Secure Perimeter, and Lockdown.

• Mandates principals conduct school lockdown drills during the first six weeks of fall and spring semesters and hold annual training sessions for employees on lockdown plans and procedures.

• Establishes that school emergency operations plans must be reviewed and revised annually and kept secure and confidential upon request of law enforcement or safety officials.

• Becomes effective August 1, 2021; passed House March 18, 2021 and Senate May 4, 2021.