Missouri committee hears broad support for comprehensive school safety bill (HB 416)

Representative Brenda Shields presented House Bill 416 to the Missouri House committee as a comprehensive approach to school safety, saying the measure would require districts to adopt emergency operations plans, complete annual physical site assessments, equip schools with “stop the bleed” kits, install anti‑intruder classroom locks and bullet‑resistant film on entry windows for newly constructed schools, and require behavioral risk assessments and several training priorities.

"School safety is much more," Representative Brenda Shields said, listing planning, community involvement, behavioral and mental‑health supports and communication among the bill's priorities. Shields said the bill requires districts to adopt plans for all emergencies, mandating training, planning, response and follow‑up and supporting mental‑health needs.

The bill would: require emergency operations plans and annual physical security assessments; require a primary and a secondary school safety coordinator; place stop‑the‑bleed kits in high‑traffic areas and require staff training in their use; require interior classroom doors to have anti‑intruder locks that lock from inside without a key; require exterior doors and sidelights in new…