SAFE School Act

Key Points

• The bill creates a $900 million grant program run by the Attorney General through the Office of Justice Programs. The money goes to states and local school districts for school security upgrades and hiring safety officers.
• Schools could use grants to hire veterans, former police officers, or off-duty law enforcement as school safety officers. A state certification or training program, which may include firearm or de-escalation training, would prepare these individuals for the role.
• Grants can also fund physical security improvements like metal detectors, bullet-resistant glass, surveillance cameras, fencing, automatic door locks, emergency generators, and emergency call boxes on school grounds.
• Both public and private schools, including religious schools, are eligible for grants. The bill also bars the federal government from interfering with how states design their training programs or use the grant money for approved activities.
• The bill authorizes $900 million total for the program but does not specify a timeframe for spending. Congress would still need to appropriate the actual funds in a future spending bill.