PA School Violence Tip Line to Become Law, Farry Says
HARRISBURG – Legislation creating an confidential tip line for reporting violence or threats of violence in schools was sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law, said Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), who introduced the measure in the House.
The proposal, included in
Senate Bill 1142, establishes the Safe2Say Program, which would allow an individual to submit an anonymous report 24-7 via a phone, computer or smartphone app.
“As we continue to see violence unfold across the country, it’s important for an individual to have an anonymous outlet to report unsafe incidents,” Farry said. “The tip line will be staffed by trained professionals who can appropriately respond to the situation and provide the reporter peace of mind that their concern will be addressed.”
The tip line was modeled after the Safe2Tell program in Colorado, which has received more than 30,000 reports since its inception in 2004, including reports of a planned school attack, suicidal threats and child abuse.
Farry, who serves as fire chief of Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company, added that the tip line will help direct critical information to the proper response channel.
“Now more than ever, the ability to report information about potentially harmful activities is critical in reducing, responding to and recovering from these types of events at or near schools,” he said.
The legislation was also amended to include provisions that require state police to conduct regular regional school safety and security assessments and school safety and security training for school employees, as well as a comprehensive $60 million school safety and security grant program.
Senate Bill 1142 is now headed to the governor’s desk, where it’s expected to be signed into law.
Representative Frank Farry
142nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepFarry.com