Emergency bill for school violence task force approved

The measure sets up an 11-member school safety and juvenile violence commission that would be responsible for a statewide emergency response plan, along with recommendations for programs that could reduce violence, gang activities and juvenile access to guns.

In addition, AB686 requires local districts to form their own emergency response plans by July 2000.

Backers say the task force, to include principals, law enforcement representatives, parents, teachers and lawmakers, will provide better coordination and help them show students that violent threats will be taken seriously.

The measure was proposed following the school killings in Littleton, Colo.

archive