CHICAGO — Governor Pat Quinn on Monday signed a new law that requires all Illinois schools to hold active safety drills with local law enforcement to ensure they are as prepared as possible in the event of a school shooting.
Quinn proposed this legislation during his 2013 State of the State address to increase safety in Illinois schools in the wake of recent school shooting incidents such as the horrific tragedy in Newtown, Conn.
Currently, school districts are required to conduct a minimum of six drills: three school evacuation drills, one bus evacuation drill, one law enforcement drill and one severe weather and shelter-in-place drill. The new law requires that the law enforcement drill include a shooting incident, and that law enforcement participate in it. The drill must take place in each school building where students are taught, and it must occur during the academic year.
Monday’s legislation was developed by the governor and supported by the summit. Senate Bill 1625 takes effect immediately.
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