Delaware lawmaker introduces school safety bills

With less than a week until the 148th General Assembly officially begins in Dover, some lawmakers are getting a head start on legislation.

Rep. Earl Jaques, D-Glasgow, has introduced two bills aimed at making Delaware’s public schools safer.

House Bill 14 would require all public school classrooms to be equipped with doors that lock from both sides while House Bill 13 would require any new school construction to include an intruder alarm and bulletproof glass to be used in the entrance areas, interior doors and windows.

“The issue of school safety is one we cannot forget,” Jaques said. “While providing a quality education is our top priority for schoolchildren, we also have to make sure they are safe in their learning environment. These measures are not cure-alls, but they will help provide just a little more safety, security and peace of mind for teachers, students and their parents.”

Jaques introduced a similar legislation last session but it did not make it out of committee.

The new bills will head to the House Education Committee, which is chaired by Rep. Jaques.