AR SB823

Establishes the Public School Safety Commission as a nine-member body to coordinate statewide public school safety efforts in Arkansas.

Commission membership includes the Commissioner of Education, Director of Arkansas State Police, Director of Division of Youth Services, and representatives from educational organizations, children's advocacy groups, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Criminal Justice Institute, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Injury Prevention Center.

Commission purposes include encouraging school districts to develop safety policies, developing model safety practices, creating a school safety awareness program for students/parents/staff, and assisting the Department of Education with implementing safety recommendations.

Commission must meet at least four times per year with five members constituting a quorum; the Department of Education provides staffing and members may receive expense reimbursement if funds are available.

Commission chair must submit annual reports to the House and Senate Education Committees no later than November 1 each year identifying district safety policies, implemented safety practices, awareness programs, and recommendations for reducing school threats and violence.