During the 118th Congress, ESA has been monitoring and supporting more than a dozen bills that would increase school security funding at the national level. Many of these bills utilize funding originally allocated to schools during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, there wouldn't even need to be an increase in funding, but rather an allowance for schools to utilize the funds for security and life safety investments.

Most recently, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-1) introduced the Securing Our Schools Act of 2024. This legislation would again utilize those funds already allocated. Schools would be able to purchase metal detectors, fencing and natural barriers, new and improved doors and windows, cameras for hallways, utility rooms, and stairways. Additionally, it would help support training, a security assessment, and coordination with local authorities. All things that are recommended in the guidelines by our friends with the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS).

We ask that you join us in reminding our members of Congress that not enough has been done to increase school safety. Our industry has the talent and the tools and we humbly request the resources to put them to work!