Sandy Hook Promise Applauds Signage of the Indiana House Bill 1104 (aka Students Safe at School Act) by Governor Eric Holcomb
Newtown, CT – Today, Indiana took a critical step forward in advancing the safety and well-being of all students in the state by passing Indiana H.B. 1104, aka the Students Safe at School Act. This new law ensures that the existing Indiana law that requires at least one active shooter drill in schools each year will be conducted in ways that limit trauma to students and educators, while also supporting emergency preparedness.
“By passing this legislation, Indiana is protecting the well-being of all students while making schools safer,” said Mark Barden, co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. “We are grateful to Rep. Michelle Davis, for collaborating with us on this important piece of legislation, and Governor Holcomb for his support.”
Rep. Michelle Davis (R-IN) said, “The safety and mental health of Hoosier students, teachers and staff continues to be a top priority. I have been an Indiana School Safety Specialist since 2012, and worked closely with local police departments, schools and stakeholders to get this bill across the finish line. This bill is an important step to bolster school safety by ensuring that our armed intruder drills accommodate all students.”
Sandy Hook Promise believes that drills should not traumatize students in the name of safety and security. The Indiana H.B. 1104 prohibits armed intruder drills that include any sensory components or activities, like gunfire simulations, from: (1) requiring student participation; or (2) taking place during regular school hours if a majority of the student body is present on school property. This allows students and educators who may have experienced or be sensitive to violence to opt-out of drills when needed, safeguarding their mental health and well-being.
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The Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund (SHPAF) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization committed to protecting all children from gun violence in schools, homes, and communities. The SHP Action Fund advances a holistic policy platform that promotes gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education. The organization works at the state and federal level to pass nonpartisan legislation through inclusive partnerships, diverse grassroots education, and community mobilization. It is part of Sandy Hook Promise, founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
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Aimee Thunberg | [email protected] | 646-761-5579