A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to study the use of certain safety measures in schools, including the installation of silent, panic alarm systems for use in life‑threatening and emergency situations.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Department of Public Instruction shall study and develop recommendations on whether the use of certain safety measures, including silent, panic alarm systems, are necessary in each school in North Carolina to increase the safety of students and to adequately respond to life‑threatening and emergency situations in the public schools. In developing its recommendations, the Department shall consider at least all of the following issues:
(1)	The feasibility and cost of installing silent, panic alarm systems or other safety monitoring equipment in each school.
(2)	Development of standardized training for school personnel and safety protocols for implementation throughout the State.
(3)	Collaboration with local law enforcement agencies and other appropriate State agencies to ensure the effectiveness of safety measures.
(4)	The effectiveness and costs of programs in other states that employ a variety of safety measures in schools, including states that provide for the installation of silent, panic alarm systems.
SECTION 2.  The Department of Public Instruction shall report its findings and recommendations from the study required by Section 1 of this act to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee on or before January 1, 2014.
SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.