H.B. No. 322 Summary

• Requires each educational service center to employ an emergency response planner with experience in emergency response operations to assist school districts and schools with developing emergency management plans and conducting safety drills.

• Modifies school emergency management plan requirements to include comprehensive protocols for threats and emergencies, with submission to the Department of Education, law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services.

• Establishes two types of emergency drills: emergency management tests for preschool/child care programs and emergency management rehearsals for districts/schools that include physical walkthroughs and critical components like communications and integrated response plans.

• Requires schools to conduct at least three annual safety drills in conjunction with law enforcement, plus two additional drills (one theoretical, one rehearsal-based) by December 15th each year, with advance notice requirements and annual training for employees.

• Appropriates $75,000 in each fiscal year (2018-2019) to educational service centers serving five or more school districts to support emergency response planner positions.