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WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today,Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), along with Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the School Safety Notification System Act to require school districts to develop emergency response and parental notification procedures for certain threats and emergencies:
"Across the country, we've seen a rise in school threats, requiring thorough investigations and tough penalties. In Collier County alone, which I have the honor to represent, over 300 threats are currently under investigation. Since the 2018 Parkland tragedy, we've worked hand-in-hand with law enforcement and mental health experts to strengthen school safety. Today, I am proud to join Reps. Jared Moskowitz and Brian Fitzpatrick in introducing common-sense legislation requiring schools to develop emergency response and parental notification procedures for any threat or emergency. This will ensure parents and guardians receive timely notifications regarding threats and emergencies occurring on school grounds, during school transportation or at school-sponsored activities. Parents deserve to be kept informed promptly and effectively. The 2018 Parkland shooting taught Florida and our country painful lessons. It's an honor to work alongside Max Schacter from Safe Schools for Alex, and Tony Montalto from Stand with Parkland as we continue to ensure safer schools for all," Congressman Díaz-Balart said.
"As a graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I know all too well the anxiety that parents feel when they send their kids to school. One of my primary objectives in Congress is to ensure that no child is ever unsafe in school, but should there ever be an event where they're at risk, parents cannot be left in the dark. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to improve parental notification procedures, and I urge all my colleagues to support this commonsense proposal," Congressman Moskowitz said.
"As a mother and a member of Congress deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our children, I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan school safety legislation. No parent should ever haveto experience what our community in Parkland has faced. This bill ensures that families receive timely and transparent communication in the event of a threat or emergency, empowering them with the critical information they need to protect their children. By improving emergency response protocols and enhancing parental notification, we are taking a meaningful step toward making our schools safer for all students. It is our collective responsibility to build environments where students can learn, grow, and thrive without fear," Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick said.
"No parent should fear sending their child to school, and no student should ever face fear in a place meant for learning and growth-since entering Congress, I have made it a priority to do everything in my power to make this a reality. Today, alongside my bipartisan colleagues and incredible advocates, Tony Montalto of Stand with Parkland and Max Schacter of Safe Schools for Alex, we are taking a significant step forward in our shared mission to transform school safety. This critical legislation empowers parents with timely information, ensures schools are equipped to manage potential threats, enhances student safety, and instills a culture of preparedness and trust within our communities. Together, we are working to build a stronger, safer future where our schools stand as sanctuaries of learning, free from fear and filled with promise," said Congressman Fitzpatrick.
"The founding families of Stand with Parkland unfortunately know all too well, that your child's safety at school, is no longer a given. No parent should ever be the last to know when a threat arises, or an incident occurs. Timely and clear communication is crucial," said Tony Montalto, President of Stand with Parkland."Stand with Parkland brought this bill to the state of Florida following the murder of our sons, daughters, and spouses. We are proud to see this bipartisan bill at the federal level as a vital step towards ensuring that America's parents are informed to make decisions about their child's safety at school. We thank Congressman Moskowitz and his congressional colleagues for their leadership in making school safety a priority and encouraging transparency in communicating critical information. Together, we can create safer schools in all communities."
The full text of the bill can be found here.
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