On Thursday, Feb. 14, the state Senate unanimously passed Substitute Senate Bill 6328, which enhances campus security. The bill now heads to the House.
The vote came the same day as the Northern Illinois University shooting in which six people died and 16 were injured, and less than a week after the Louisiana Technical College shooting in which three died.
The bill calls for colleges to publicize mental health and counseling services available to students, faculty and staff. It also requires them to publicize the procedures for communicating with students, faculty, staff, the public and the media during and following emergencies.
Under the bill, each college must submit by Oct. 30 a self-study assessing its safety procedures.
The bill also requires biennial reporting to the Office of Financial Management and the Legislature of the extent to which colleges comply with bill, including recommendations on measures that help colleges improve campus safety.
“(The) tragic loss of life at Northern Illinois University is a stark reminder that we must take action to improve safety for students, faculty and staff at our colleges and universities,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire in a statement. “It is my hope that our campus safety legislation will bolster the efforts our colleges and universities are making to enhance campus safety.”
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