(Pomona)- Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D-Pomona) is pleased to announce that Assembly Bill 1747 was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown today in Sacramento to better protect children in schools. This legislation, championed by law enforcement and parent organizations across the state, will ensure that all schools have the necessary plans in place should an emergency occur. In 2017, a state audit found many school districts and county offices do not have procedures for responding to violent incidents, such as active shooters, in their safety plans.
“Violent incidents occurring on school grounds are happening now more than ever before. As a parent and former PTA president, I am proud to say Governor Brown has taken a necessary step in better protecting our children by ensuring our schools have plans in place to respond to incidents such as an active shooter. This legislation will require schools to coordinate with local law enforcement agencies in developing safety plans for violent incidents that occur on or near school grounds.”
The California Constitution guarantees children the right to attend public schools which are safe, secure and peaceful. AB 1747 expands on that promise by requiring schools to collaborate with law enforcement and first responders in the development of their safety plans.
In November 2017, the administration of Rancho Tehama Elementary conducted a lockdown as a response to an active shooter on campus, a safety procedure students and faculty drilled regularly. Unable to enter any classrooms because of the lockdown, the shooter eventually left the campus.
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Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (Twitter) represents the 52nd Assembly District which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona and portions of unincorporated Fontana. He is Chair of The Assembly Committee on Public Employees, Retirement, and Social Security.