The New York Senate voted to increase state funding to help schools pay for armed police and security upgrades.
The bills would create state grant programs to make it easier for schools to hire armed police or mental health coordinators and pay for video cameras, secure doors or other improvements.
The Senate also included measures to mandate two annual active-shooter drills and set aside money for mental health services coordinators in local schools.
Another bill would change penalties to make the criminal discharge of a gun within 1,000 feet of a school or place of worship eligible to be considered a terrorist act.
“Schools must be safe havens, where students can learn and teachers can teach,” said Senate Leader John Flanagan, R-Long island. “We must act swiftly and decisively to implement additional measures in schools throughout our state to give students, parents, and teachers the resources and peace of mind that they deserve.”
