Author: Bernie James

Safety Law News for April 11, 2016

In California, a state appellate court ruled that the warrantless search of student’s cell phone by school officials following an incident in which a firearm was discovered on campus was valid.  [In re Rafael C.] In North Carolina, an appellate…

Safety Law News for April 5, 2016

In Florida, a state appellate court ruled that a student, who was suspended, had no legitimate business on campus and violated statute governing trespass on school grounds when he went back into the school. [MM v. State] In North Carolina,…

Safety Law News for April 1, 2016

In Tennessee, schools in Alcoa, Maryville and Blount County are keeping a stock of the lifesaving anti-overdose drug Naloxone. School resource officers and nurses have received training. In Illinois, House Bill 5617 has been introduced.  If enacted into law it…

Safety Law News for March 29, 2016

In Minnesota, a Minnesota company has invented a handgun that folds up to look just like a smartphone.  In locked position, the .380-caliber plastic pistol with a metal core can be discreetly slipped into pockets, like a real phone. In…

Safety Law News for March 23, 2016

In Utah, police in Salt Lake City settle a lawsuit over “gang-profiling” on public school campuses. In Tennessee, the House of Representatives approved and moved along legislation allowing teachers and staff to carry guns at school for self-defense. In North…

Safety Law News for March 8, 2016

In New York, the number of violent incidents on school campuses increased  by nearly 23 percent last year — reaching the highest level in at least a decade.  That includes a 40.4 percent increase in the number of assaults with…

Safety Law News for March 4, 2016

In Alabama, the Huntsville City School District is implementing a district-wide social media monitoring program.  School officials will monitor students’ social media posts and, if necessary, discipline students for the content of the posts. In Pennsylvania, the Hazleton Area School…

Safety Law News for March 1, 2016

In Virginia, the legislature is considering HB 487 that if enacted would relieve school resource officers of the duty to enforce school board rules and codes of student conduct.   The House easily passed a bill 95-2.  It now awaits consideration…

Safety Law News for February 24, 2016

In Washington State, the schools in the Tri-Cities area of Pasco, Richland and Kennewick, report significantly fewer weapons on campus.  The good news is attributed to two things: the good presence of community oriented policing and utilizing a good security…

Safety Law News for February 19, 2016

In Wyoming, legislation has been introduced that would restrict school districts’ access to student data, particularly online social media accounts or emails. If enacted, the law would prohibit school or district employees from compelling a student to provide their username…