Section 13-1301-D - Intent.The General Assembly finds and declares as follows:
(1) Over the past several years, school shootings have become more frequent. The recent school shootings have shown the need for robust information sharing and communication between schools and law enforcement. The communication is necessary to prevent school violence.(2) It is vital that the Commonwealth take available measures to create safe and welcoming school communities. Providing students, teachers and communities with an anonymous reporting mechanism is a proven important tool in creating safe and welcoming school communities.(3) It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Safe2Say program be a one-stop shop for students, teachers and community members to report behavior perceived to be threatening to an individual or a school entity. Reports made through the anonymous reporting system will be referred to local schools, law enforcement and/or organizations.(4) The intent of the General Assembly is for the Safe2Say program to supplement, not replace, 911 services. The Safe2Say program is intended to facilitate increased communication between law enforcement, school districts and organizations.(5) It is not the intent of the General Assembly that the Safe2Say program be used as a disciplinary tool for school employees. However, there may be instances where information obtained through the program may be shared with and used by school officials.(6) The Safe2Say program is not meant to be a tool for law enforcement. However, there may be instances where information obtained through the program may be shared with and used by law enforcement.Added by P.L. TBD 2018 No. 44, § 3, eff. 6/22/2018.