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Senate approves school emergency response bill; amendment to fund school resource officers fails
Summary
The Senate passed S.B. 1216 to allow grant funding for emergency response communication systems and personal emergency devices in schools, rejecting an amendment that would have let grants subsidize school resource officer salaries (the SRO amendment failed 11–25).
The Connecticut Senate voted to pass S.B. 1216 on April 30, 2025, expanding allowable school safety grant uses to include emergency response communications and personal emergency communication devices such as Wi‑Fi‑enabled key cards that map room locations for first responders.
Sponsor Sen. Matt Marr described the systems as a small, on‑person device that, when activated, sends location details to police so officers can respond rapidly. "The card immediately goes to the police department," Marr said, describing the digital mapping and dispatch link proponents say shortens response time.
Sen. Sampson offered amendment LCO 7581 to permit the grant program to fund school resource officer (SRO) salaries on a phased cost‑share (50% first year, then 25% and diminishing amounts thereafter). Supporters of the amendment, including Senators Perillo and Martin, said SROs are another tool schools can choose to enhance safety. Opponents argued funding salaries would be a structural change best addressed through broader hearings. The roll‑call on the amendment resulted in 11 yeas and 25 nays; the amendment failed.
After the failed amendment, the Senate voted on the underlying bill, which passed by roll call. Supporters said the bill simply expands technology and other security options that districts can select based on local needs; debate emphasized grants already cover cameras, ballistic glass, locks, and similar measures. The bill will move to the House for consideration and, if enacted, will allow districts to apply existing grant dollars to a wider set of emergency communications technologies.
