ATLANTA – State Representative Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper), Chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, today introduced House Resolution 1414, which would establish the House Study Committee on School Security.
“In the wake of one of the deadliest school shootings in recent history, it is absolutely critical that we study ways to improve security and safety in Georgia schools,” said Rep. Jasperse. “I hope that by establishing this study committee, we will be able to explore practical ways to make our classrooms safer for every student, teacher and school staff member across our state.”
“We want children to feel safe in their schools, and we want to ensure that schools have the resources necessary to combat the evolving nature of security threats,” said Speaker of the House David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge). “I trust Chairman Jasperse to see to it that this important priority makes it through the legislative process.”
Under HR 1414, the House Study Committee on School Security would study the conditions, needs, issues and problems related to school safety and security in Georgia and recommend any action or legislation deemed necessary or appropriate. Additionally, in the event that the study committee adopts any specific findings or recommendations that include suggestions for proposed legislation, the chairperson would file a report prior to Dec. 1, 2018, the date upon which the study committee would be abolished.
The House Study Committee on School Security would consist of nine members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, including a committee chairperson also appointed by the Speaker of the House who would be responsible for calling all study committee meetings. The study committee would hold meetings at places and times deemed necessary or convenient to fully and effectively exercise its powers, perform its duties and accomplish its objectives and purposes.
HR 1414 is sponsored by Rep. Jasperse and signed by House Public Safety and Homeland Security Chairman Alan Powell (R-Hartwell); House Rules Committee Chairman John Meadows (R-Calhoun); House Juvenile Justice Chairman Mandi Ballinger (R-Canton); House Majority Leader Jon Burns (R-Newington); and House Floor Leader Terry Rogers (R-Clarkesville).
Speaker Ralston recently announced that $8 million in bond funding for school security will be included in the House version of the Fiscal Year 2019 budget. This funding is envisioned to be used for campus security equipment such as security/camera systems, access control systems or door hardware. House leadership has invited their colleagues in the Senate to join them in this effort by matching the House’s $8 million appropriation for a total of $16 million.
For more information on HR 1414, please click here.
Representative Rick Jasperse represents the citizens of District 11, which includes portions of Gordon, Murray and Pickens counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as Chairman of the Higher Education Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Health & Human Services, Human Relations & Aging and Public Safety & Homeland Security committees.
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