MS HB59

Creates the School Security and Campus Safety Task Force to study school violence prevention, identify individuals with violent tendencies or mental health disorders, and recommend improvements to law enforcement coordination during emergencies.

Task force membership includes 10 state officials (State Superintendent, Department of Public Safety Commissioner, Attorney General, Department of Mental Health director, and others), at least 6 law enforcement representatives, at least 6 education representatives, 2 high school students, 2 college students, 2 parents, and 4 legislators.

Task force shall evaluate existing school safety audits, recommend K-12 safety protocol improvements, expand school resource officer programs, identify best practices for sharing among schools, and examine gaps in current laws related to school and campus safety.

Establishes a Mental Health Workgroup under the task force to evaluate Mississippi's mental health system and recommend improvements for identifying, intervening, and treating behavioral and mental disabilities with focus on violence prevention.

Task force must hold its first meeting by May 1, 2013, with co-chairs being the State Superintendent of Public Education, Commissioner of Public Safety, and executive director of the Department of Mental Health; State Department of Education shall provide staff support.