Senator McLachlan Votes for Bill to Enhance School Safety

Hartford – State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-24) today voted in favor of legislation to equip every Connecticut public school with multimedia interoperable communication systems. The legislation requested by Senate Republican President Pro Tempore Len Fasano (R-34) and Sen. McLachlan includes funding for systems to enhance school safety by providing direct communication between school personnel and first responders.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our children,” Sen. McLachlan said. “Installing multimedia interoperable communication systems in our schools will enable first responders to view live video feeds to better assess situations before arriving at schools. It will also show them the exact location of the incident to improve response time.”

Sen. McLachlan said Senate Bill 12: An Act Authorizing And Adjusting Bonds Of The State For Capital Improvements And Other Purposes, authorized $5 million in bonding each year to pay for the installation of equipment in each school. The program will start in Connecticut’s urban schools and will eventually include every public school in the state.

“The plan is that these systems would connect schools with multiple law enforcement, medical, and emergency rescue organizations. Whether the incident is a medical issue, simple disturbance, or something more serious, responders would be prepared to address the situation,” he said.

Senate Republican President Pro Tempore Len Fasano (R-34) requested the committee provide funding for this important school safety need.

“I want to thank the committee for recognizing the importance of investing in protections for schools across the state,” said Sen. Fasano. “There is new technology available today that can make our schools safer and more prepared to respond to a wide range of situations. Today marks an important step forward  to assist schools across the state protect the safety of our children.”

The bill now goes to the Senate for approval.

Senator McLachlan is Chairman of the General Bonding Subcommittee of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee. He represents the communities of Bethel, Danbury, New Fairfield, and Sherman.