by Bernie James • • Comments Off on Safety Law News for May 4, 2018
In Vermont, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that the actions of a high school student, who was charged with plotting to shoot up the high school, did not meet the legal definition of an “attempt” under Vermont law. The student was charged with attempted bodily injury, attempted first-degree murder, and attempted aggravated murder. The court reasoned that preparation alone does not satisfy the high bar required to prove an attempt. The student purchased a shotgun, sent Facebook messages that he planned to commit a shooting, and kept lists of the items that he needed. [State v. Sawyer]
In New Mexico, the superintendent for the Santa Fe Public Schools has been told by the Santa Fe Police Department that it is spread thin and does not have the manpower to assign three police officers to the school district.
In Wisconsin, state officials says schools have until June 8 to apply for $100 million in school safety grants. The grants were approved by legislators after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. To be eligible for funding, schools must develop a plan with local law enforcement and earmark the funds for facility upgrades or staff training.
In Florida, the Suwannee County School Board unanimously passed a resolution that allows volunteer school staff members to carry guns on campus. The program will be implemented for the 2018-2019 academic year.