Kentucky lawmakers unveil school-safety measure

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP/WTVQ) – Kentucky lawmakers have unveiled a school-safety measure, nearly a year after two students died in a school shooting at a high school in the state.

The measure calls for hiring a state school security marshal. The bill’s sponsors say the goal is to instill greater accountability for school safety.

The measure also sets a state goal of putting more school resource officers and mental health professionals in schools, as soon as funding is available.

Its sponsors say this year’s bill creates a school-safety framework, but follow-up work will be needed in future years when new state budgets are crafted.

Sen. Max Wise says for this generation of students, shootings are “becoming their 9/11.”

“We heard remarkable stories from teachers, principles and staff who are going above and beyond when it comes to protecting our greatest resources, our children,” said Wise.

Last January, two students were killed and many others injured in a shooting at Marshall County High School.

“Shame on us, shame on us as a state and as leadership if we don’t address this issue, so I think we’ve taken some great steps,” said Democratic Representative George Brown Jr.

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1/9/2019 5:01:23 PM (GMT -5:00)