House Dem leader announces school safety plan

House Dem leader announces school safety plan

Updated:
  • Gun Control Across America

  • A high-tech startup is wading into the gun control debate with a cellphone controller that would allow gun owners to know when their weapon is being moved - and disable it remotely.
    A high-tech startup is wading into the gun control debate with a wireless controller that would allow gun owners to know when their weapon is being moved - and disable it remotely.
  • Another 945 guns were turned in during a Phoenix police gun buyback event on Saturday.
    Another 945 guns were turned in during a Phoenix police gun buyback event on Saturday.
  • Thursday, May 16 2013 3:45 PM EDT2013-05-16 19:45:21 GMT
    District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray's administration does not support a bill that would require gun owners in the nation's capital to carry liability insurance.
    District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray's administration does not support a bill that would require gun owners in the nation's capital to carry liability insurance.
PHOENIX -

The top Democrat in Arizona's House of Representatives outlined details of a school and community safety plan he expects to introduce in the Legislature.

A major part of House Minority Leader Chad Campbell's plan is to more than double the amount of money in the program that funds school resource officers.

Funding for those officers has been slashed over the years and Campbell want to bring it back.

In addition to the school resource office, his plan calls for a $20 million school safety fund that the district will have access to upgrade campus security.

He also wants to increase the number of school counselors on campus; those counselors could help identify students who may need mental help.

He also want to increase funding for mental health programs. Campbell knows this will be challenge, but he hopes given recent events, both sides will be able to agree.

"Let's put some money in the program so that we have SRO's available to the districts and the schools. Same goes for the school counselors...we are going to put as much resources as we can and give the schools the tools they need to succeed and more importantly protect the students and their communities," Campbell said.

Campbell also hopes to tackle Arizona gun laws by closing the "gun show loophole" and requiring firearm sales be through a licensed firearms dealer.

He also wants to expand current laws that limit access for people who the court deems to be a prohibited possessor. He wants to include people who have an order of protection out against them.

Because the Legislature is controlled by Republicans, the proposal stands little chance of passing intact.

But Gov. Jan Brewer is considering adding school resource officer funding to her budget. And Attorney General Tom Horne wants one educator in each public school armed.

Video: Rep. Campbell joined us live Wednesday night to explain his plan.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Powered by WorldNow

WHBQ-TV | Fox 13
485 S. Highland St.
Memphis, TN 38111

Main Station: (901) 320-1313
Newsroom: (901) 320-1340

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices