STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2024) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) supporting school safety, student mental health and school resource officers.
Davis, vice chair of the House Education Committee, said while schools are already required to conduct two armed-intruder drills annually, this new law strengthens the framework around these drills by prioritizing mental health support for students. Under the new law, schools must now offer mental health resources following each drill and provide an opt-out option for parents.
"The safety and mental health of Hoosier students, teachers and staff continue to be a top priority," Davis said. "This new law ensures that while we prepare for emergencies, we also consider the emotional and psychological impact on our students."
Additionally, drills that include sensory components cannot be conducted during regular school hours or require participation, and accommodations must be made for students who have mobility restrictions, sensory needs, or auditory or visual limitations.
The new law also supports school resource officers by ensuring they are eligible for benefits under the 1977 Pension Fund. Davis said improving benefits recognizes the critical role SROs play in maintaining safety and ensures they receive the same benefits as other law enforcement officers. She also said the added benefit could help strengthen SRO recruitment efforts and encourage more officers to consider working in Indiana schools.
Davis authored the legislation after talking with Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit organization, along with input from the Clark-Pleasant and Center Grove police departments.
For more information on House Enrolled Act 1104, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Eric Holcomb ceremonially signs State Rep. Michelle Davis' (R-Whiteland) law supporting school safety, student mental health and school resource officers on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Bill sponsors State Sen. Cyndi Carrasco (R-Indianapolis) (standing, sixth from left) and State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) (seated, left) joined Holcomb (seated, center) and Davis (seated, right) along with bill co-author State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) (standing, second from right) and Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner (standing, far right). Representatives from Sandy Hook Promise, Center Grove and Clark-Pleasant Community School Corp. and their school resource officers were also in attendance.
