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Committee approves amendment allowing parents to opt children under 16 out of student‑involved active‑shooter drills
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Summary
The subcommittee accepted an amendment from Representative Perez to bar use of funds to require student participation in active‑shooter drills for children under 16 without parental or guardian consent.
Representative Perez offered an amendment that would prohibit funds made available in the act from being used by any local education agency to conduct student‑involved active‑shooter drills for participants under 16 years old without first providing the opportunity for parental or legal guardian consent to opt the child out.
Perez described personal experience and accounts from parents, saying a daycare notification and a required drill led to anxiety in a three‑year‑old and that in another case a 14‑year‑old required anti‑anxiety medication after a mandated drill. Perez cited several organizations — the American Academy of Pediatrics, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, the NEA, and the AFT — as opposed to mandatory student participation in such drills and referenced a Department of Education report noting potential ADA implications for failing to allow opt‑outs for students with documented anxiety disorders.
The subcommittee chair accepted the amendment during markup. "I acknowledge the gentlelady's interest in offering this amendment. So I'm prepared to accept the amendment," the chair said. The chair put the question and the ayes were called; the chair announced the ayes have it and the amendment was accepted.
Why it matters: The amendment conditions use of federal funds and creates an opt‑out right for parents of children under 16 for student‑involved active‑shooter drills, a practice proponents called psychologically traumatizing and opponents have argued necessary for preparedness.
Outcome: Amendment accepted by voice vote; the committee recorded the chair's ruling that the ayes have it.
