Request an interim study on school safety

69th Legislature HJ 53
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A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY ON IMPROVING SCHOOL SAFETY; AND REQUIRING
THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, the safety of children and the adults who educate and care for them is of paramount
importance;
WHEREAS, there is a strong correlation between a safe school environment and higher academic
achievement, with students in safer schools tending to have better grades and test scores; and
WHEREAS, safe schools promote positive social interactions, reduce bullying, and create a more
supportive environment for students to develop healthy relationships; and
WHEREAS, students who feel secure at school are more likely to be engaged in their learning and
actively participate in school activities; and
WHEREAS, Montana K-12 schools would benefit from a coordinated cross-system collaborative study
to identify existing and nonexistent school safety practices; and
WHEREAS, having proper safety protocols in place allows for effective collaborative response to
emergencies such as fires, medical emergencies, and active shooter scenarios; and
WHEREAS, Montana is one of the few states without a unified, coordinated approach to supporting
school safety and lacks a designated state system that provides schools with comprehensive guidance and
support.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory
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committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, to conduct a study on improving school safety.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee collaborate in this study with relevant stakeholders,
including but not limited to the following organizations and entities:
(1) the Montana Safe Schools Center;
(2) the Office of Public Instruction;
(3) the Montana Department of Justice;
(4) the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association;
(5) the Board of Public Education;
(6) the School Administrators of Montana
(7) the Montana School Boards Association;
(8) the Department of Public Health and Human Services;
(9) the Montana Professional Learning Collaborative;
(10) the Montana Board of Crime Control; and
(11) the Jeremy Bullock Memorial Trust.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee organize the study based on an examination of
Montana's implementation of the Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety recommended to the Attorney
General of the United States by the School Safety Working Group of the Office of Community Oriented Policing
Services in 2020, including:
(1) a review of best practices in implementing each action, including examples from other states;
(2) an analysis of whether, how, and to what degree Montana has implemented best practices for
each action; and
(3) an examination of how Montana can improve the implementation of each action.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee:
(1) review existing Montana statutes and funding mechanisms related to school safety, with a
specific focus on examining how existing statutes and funding mechanisms can be clarified, coordinated,
consolidated, and better aligned with the Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety; and
(2) examine how cross-agency coordination and collaboration for school safety can be promoted in
Montana, including through a designated entity to act as a clearinghouse for model policies, training, and
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technical assistance.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2026.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 70th Legislature.
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I hereby certify that the within bill,
HJ 53, originated in the House.
___________________________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
___________________________________________
Speaker of the House
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
___________________________________________
President of the Senate
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 53
INTRODUCED BY B. BARKER, C. KEOGH
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY ON IMPROVING SCHOOL SAFETY; AND REQUIRING THAT
THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE.