Youth Health and Safety Committee takes up "handle with care" bill

In Monday's meeting of the House Select Committee on Youth Health and Safety, a bill was heard that would allow law enforcement agencies to notify districts about students who have experienced a traumatic event. HB 1537 by Rep. Donna Howard would provide an opportunity for law enforcement agencies to give districts a "handle with care" notice regarding such students. Events triggering the notice would include events involving other members of the student's household, such as attempted suicide, arrest, overdose, car accidents, family violence, and other events that could negatively impact the student's ability to succeed in school.

Other bills on the agenda included HB 3639 (Rep. Christina Morales) to require annual training in active shooter response for school district peace officers and SROs; and HB 4625 (Rep. Ron Reynolds), strengthening bullying laws.