HI HB1477

Creates a task force to examine safety improvements needed in Hawaii's public and private schools in response to school shooting concerns.

Task force must meet at least five times before January 1, 2014, and report findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2014 regular session convenes.

Requires task force to examine classroom door locking policies, effectiveness of current safety measures like lockdowns and drills, and whether Hawaii Revised Statutes need amendments to reduce school vulnerability to violent crimes.

Task force membership includes representatives from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Education, legislative committee chairs, state officials (attorney general, superintendent of education, director of public safety, director of finance), county police and fire chiefs, and private school representatives.

Task force will also determine if immediate funding appropriations are needed for public school security improvements and whether expedited grant procedures should be established for private school safety funding.