House Minority Leader Chad Campbell's plan is to more than double the amount of money in the program that funds school resource officers.
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 succed 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 liscensed firearms dealer.
He also wants to expand current laws that limit access for people who the court deems to be a prohibited possesor. 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.
