McGorty & Perillo Applaud Signing of School Security Grant Extension Bill
State Representatives Ben McGorty (R-122) & Jason Perillo (R-113) today applauded the passage and signing of a measure they co-sponsored which extends the deadline for school security infrastructure grant applications and awards by one fiscal year, from June 30, 2015 to June 30, 2016. Numerous school districts throughout the state expressed concern that they would be unable to complete the approved work under the previous deadlines.
The grants are for developing or improving security infrastructure in schools, based on the results of school building security assessments conducted under the supervision of local law enforcement agencies. Governor Dannel Malloy signed the bill into law on May 11th.
“When the safety of students, their teachers, and school faculty is in the balance, it only makes sense that we extend this deadline to ensure the greatest latitude in providing safer environments where they learn and work,” said Rep. McGorty.
“The safety of our children while they are in school is a paramount concern, and this measure will allow an extended deadline for schools making application for state grants to submit their applications and qualify for funds they need to improve safety,” said Rep. Perillo.
Legislation passed two years ago (Public Act 13-3) established this competitive state grant program to improve security infrastructure in schools in the wake of Sandy Hook. It reimburses towns, state charter schools, technical high schools, endowed academies, private schools, and regional education service centers for certain expenses incurred to develop or improve security infrastructure, train personnel to operate and maintain the new or improved security infrastructure, and buy portable entrance security devices, such as metal detectors.
Eligible infrastructure includes the installation of surveillance cameras, penetration resistant vestibules, ballistic glass, solid core doors, double-door access, computer-controlled electronic locks, entry door buzzer systems, scan card systems, panic alarms, or other systems.
The program is jointly administered by the departments of Administrative Services, Education, and Emergency Services and Public Protection. PA 13-3 authorized $15 million in bonds for the program; PA 14-98 increased the amount to $37 million. The new law became effective upon the governor’s signature.