H.R. 5766 would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security the Office of National School Preparedness and Response.
Detailed Summary
Schools Empowered to Respond Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within the Office of the Secretary of Homeland Security an Office of National School Preparedness and Response.
Gives the Director of that office primary responsibility within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the support of statewide, regional, and national efforts to enhance the collective response to acts of terrorism and other disasters at schools, including by: (1) serving as the principal advisor to the Secretary on the needs of schools and children in response to emergency situations; (2) ensuring that DHS policies, programs, and activities appropriately consider the needs of and impact upon schools and children; (3) creating an Internet clearinghouse that identifies resources available to schools; and (4) ensuring that education officials have input with the Government Coordinating Council.
Permits the use of funds under the Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program to enhance school preparedness.
Directs the Secretary to condition the receipt of grants on a state including in each state homeland security decision-making body that has authority to determine how grants will be used a representative selected by the state education authority who has an understanding of the emergency planning needs of local schools.
Expresses the sense of Congress : (1) promoting the adoption of voluntary national standards in schools to prepare for and enable a collective response to acts of terrorism and other disasters; and (2) regarding what plans for responding should include to ensure school participation in such collective response.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 4/28/2008: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response.
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