Synopsis:

Signed: H.B. 142 was signed into law by Gov. John Carney on Sept. 29, 2017.

H.B. 142 requires school districts and charter schools as well as the State Police department to provide annual disability awareness training for School Resource Officers (SROs) to specifically address behaviors that may manifest as a result of disabilities. The bill mandates training in best practices for de-escalation techniques and on intervention decisions in relation to Individualized Education Programs and Behavioral Support Plans. According to the Delaware State Police, SROs used to receive a 40-hour course and a 24-hour advanced training course, with eight additional training hours per year through the national SRO organization, little of which was specifically tailored towards students with disabilities. H.B. 142 requires school districts to additionally provide disability awareness training to SROs consistent with the training required for other public school personnel. Supporters cited the disproportionate use of restraint and seclusion by SROs on students with disabilities and the “school-to-prison” pipeline caused by staff members who are undertrained to work with youths with disabilities, in addition to students of color. Opponents of similar initiatives in other states argued high costs of training programs like those proposed weren’t feasible and faulted limiting school districts’ local authority.

Supporters:

Reps. Kim Williams (D), Helene Keeley (D), Joseph Miro (R), John Mitchell (D), Charles Potter (D), Melanie Smith (D); Sens. Nicole Poore (D), Bruce Ennis (D), Stephanie Hansen (D), Margaret Rose Henry (D), John Walsh (D); Delaware ACLU, National Association of State Boards of Education, National Association of School Resource Officers.

Opponents:

None reported.

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