SCH CD-OFFICE OF SCH SAFETY

Amends the School Code to create the Office of School Safety within the State Board of Education. Provides for the Office's duties. Requires the Office to create a grant program for expenditures related to improving school safety. Provides that grant funds must be used for school security improvements, including training and safety-related upgrades to school buildings, equipment (including metal detectors and x-ray machines), and facilities. Specifies the grant application requirements. Effective January 1, 2020. Fiscal Note (State Board of Education) House Bill 2609 is estimated to have a fiscal impact of up to $161,600,000 on the Illinois State Board of Education's General Revenue Fund budget. The most recent Capital Needs Assessment Survey Results (2016) identified $161 million in capital costs for school security measures based on 406 of 852 school districts responding to the survey. In addition, ISBE estimates $350,000 in operational costs will be needed to support three new staff required to staff the new office and carry out its functions and duties. An estimated $250,000 has also been included for grants for school district training. State Mandates Fiscal Note (Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) This bill does not create a State mandate.