Education Committee Acts to Require Crime Reporting

Adopts Senator Browne's amendment to fine schools that don't comply

School districts that do not immediately report criminal activities to law enforcement officials would face disciplinary actions and fines under an amendment introduced by Senator Pat Browne and approved by the Senate Education Committee today (March 20).

Senator Browne amended Senate Bill 112, a measure introduced by Senator Jeffrey Piccola, to expand the scope of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) that school districts have with local law enforcement agencies detailing steps to be taken in the event of serious incidents on school property.

Under Senator Browne's amendment to SB 112, schools would be required to immediately report violent offenses and those involving weapons possession to law enforcement officials or face fines ranging from $2,500 on first offense to $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

Senator Browne drafted the amendment in response to public concerns about reporting lapses and lack of disciplinary action following alleged sexual assault incidents at Central Elementary School in Allentown.

"What happened in Allentown was totally unacceptable," Senator Browne said. "School districts that don't immediately report criminal incidents must be held accountable. This legislation provides a penalty provision for districts that fail to comply with the reporting requirements."

Under Senator Browne's measure, the state Office of State Schools would receive any money collected from the fines.

"This is an issue of trust," Senator Browne said. "Parents should not have to worry about the safety and welfare of their children when they send them to school. They expect schools to take every possible step to ensure safety and every necessary measure when criminal action takes place."