KS SB263

Establishes the "Students Safe at School Act" requiring active shooter drills in K-12 schools to be accessible, age-appropriate, trauma-informed, and inclusive of students with disabilities, with parents given 24-hour advance notice and the option to opt their child out

Prohibits active shooter simulations (exercises mimicking real-life shootings) during school hours when students are present; only students in grades 9-12 may participate with written parental consent outside regular hours

Requires schools to provide post-drill debriefing time and access to mental health services, and mandates annual review by school boards of drill efficacy and impact on student and staff mental health

Mandates at least one hour of annual evidence-based violence prevention training for students in grades 6-12, covering warning sign identification, threat reporting, and help-seeking behaviors, with the Kansas Department of Education to publish approved training options by October 1, 2026

Requires the Department of Education to publish a list of approved drill vendors, partner with the Department of Health and Environment to create effectiveness guidelines, and ensure students can contribute to school safety planning