Toward helping to protect America’s elementary and secondary students from ongoing school shootings, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Feb. 13 introduced a bipartisan bill that would authorize $100 million in dedicated annual funding for school safety upgrades through the Homeland Security Grant Program.
“Safeguarding our children is not just a responsibility — it is our highest duty,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “We owe it to them, our educators, and communities to stand united in making their safety an unshakable priority.”
The congressman is the lead original cosponsor of the Measures for Safer School Districts (MSD) Act, H.R. 1335, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) to enhance the safety of elementary and secondary schools by requiring emergency response and parental notification procedures and improving the security of interior and exterior doors, according to the text of the bill.
Specifically, H.R. 1335 would establish a nationwide framework for school security focused on three core pillars: standardized emergency response and notification protocols; immediate parental notification; and reinforced school infrastructure for maximum protection.
For example, the measure would require every school district to establish and implement comprehensive emergency procedures, ensuring all students, faculty, and staff have clear guidance on how to respond in the event of a crisis, whether it be an active shooter, a bomb threat, an act of violence, or a natural disaster, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“Our children should walk into school each day feeling safe, not scared,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “The bipartisan MSD Act is a commitment to protecting our children with real, tangible action — strengthening security, enhancing emergency response, and ensuring parents are informed when it matters most.”
“This is more than legislation,” he added. “It is a call to action, a commitment to our kids, and a step towards a brighter, safer future.”
The bill has garnered support from school safety advocates, law enforcement officials, and organizations representing the families of school shooting victims, including Stand with Parkland, Safe Schools for Alex, and Make Our Schools Safe.
H.R. 1335 is under consideration in both the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee and the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee.