Idaho Lawmakers Give Bill Beefing Up School Security Second Thought

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A Senate committee decided a proposal to beef up school security with armed bus drivers, metal detectors and other options may need tinkering. The Senate Education Committee considered the bill Tuesday, to require school districts to develop safety plans in coordination with the local sheriff.

But members sent it to the chamber for possible amendment. The measure is something that arose after the shooting in Newtown, Conn., that killed 26 people, most of them young children. Republican Sen. Marv Hagedorn wants to give districts flexibility to enact security measures appropriate for their schools and community.

However, Hagedorn, who says he could envision districts arming teachers or bus drivers, is considering potential changes. The Idaho School Boards Association also has some concerns, though it says it remains neutral on the measure.