Missouri House advances comprehensive school-safety bill with training, locks and stop-the-bleed kits

House Bill 416, a package of school-safety measures that requires districts to adopt emergency plans, adds staff training requirements and mandates certain equipment, was ordered perfected by the Missouri House on March 19, 2025.

The bill’s sponsor, Lady from Buchanan, a representative, told colleagues HB 416 “focuses on training, personnel, planning, equipment, risk assessment, mental health, and equipping the school from both internal and external threats.” She listed 12 components the bill would require, including annual physical site assessments, stop-the-bleed kits, a second school-safety coordinator, anti-intruder interior locks and training tied to FEMA or Missouri School Boards Association courses.

Supporters said the measure packages proven, practical steps to make students and staff safer. Opponents and some committee members warned about labeling students through behavioral-risk tracking and about unfunded costs for facility upgrades.

Lawmakers adopted three floor amendments before perfecting the bill. The Gentleman from Randolph, a representative and amendment sponsor, added a…