House Bill 1841, which I co-sponsored, would require a thorough background investigation on an applicant for employment as a law enforcement officer, including a review of the applicant’s employment information and separation records from prior law enforcement employment, before the applicant may be employed. It would also require the establishment and maintenance of an electronic database containing separation records of law enforcement officers for use by other law enforcement agencies when hiring certified law enforcement officers.

House Bill 1910 would require the training of officers on interacting with individuals of diverse racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds; implicit bias training; recognizing and reporting child abuse; and annual training on the use of appropriate force. In addition, the bill would establish better access to mental health evaluations for law enforcement officers. Both bills passed unanimously and are now moving to the Senate for consideration.

Another matter that has our attention is ensuring our schools reopen this fall.

As Pennsylvania slowly reopens in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the House Education Committee held an informational meeting to gather input from teachers, administrators and directors from public and nonpublic schools concerning plans to get students safely back in the classroom this fall.

Staggered schedules, proper personal protective equipment, necessary equipment and software for remote learning, and reorganization of furniture and classroom space to accommodate social distancing are just a few of the challenges school officials are working to address to keep staff and students safe.

Some testifiers discussed the challenges of helping students who may be behind as a result of last year’s school closures and the emotional toll the situation has taken on students of all ages. Officials also raised concerns about loss of funding on the local level due to the economic downturn and the increased expenses necessitated by COVID-19 mitigation efforts. This would include an increased need for school nurses and support staff for students.

In a bit of good news, school districts across the state are now eligible for grants from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to help address COVID-19-related health and safety needs for the 2020-21 school year. Under Act 30 of 2020, each school district is eligible for $120,000 plus an amount based on its average daily membership. Intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, regional charter schools and cyber charter schools are eligible for $90,000.

Eligible uses for the funding include the purchase of cleaning and sanitizing products; training and professional development of staff on sanitation and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases; equipment purchases; modifying existing areas to support appropriate social distancing of students and staff; providing mental health services and supports; purchasing educational technology for distance learning; and other health and safety programs, items or services necessary to address COVID-19.