BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 The California State Senate has advanced a bill that would bolster safety in schools by increasing collaboration between schools, local and state agencies.<\/p>\n
Senate Bill 1181, or the Valley Youth Safety Act<\/a>, would establish a pilot program focused on identifying safety threats in schools by strengthening school district\u2019s partnerships with local law enforcement and the California Office of Emergency Services \u2014 also known as Cal OES.<\/p>\n Specifically, the bill would increase collaboration between schools and emergency services to improve \u201cthreat assessment strategies\u201d and strengthen early intervention efforts aiming to protect students, teachers and the broader community.<\/p>\n Watch 17 News, After Sunrise and more local news free on your smart TV. Click to learn more about KGET+ <\/a><\/p>\n In a press release on Thursday from the office of Sen. Melissa Hurtado, who authored the bill, the pilot program\u201d intends to help communities keep pace with rapidly evolving threats while rebuilding trust between institutions designed to maintain student and family safety.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrust saves lives,\u201d Hurtado said, who authored the bill. \u201cAcross California coordinated public safety efforts have helped rescue trafficked migrant children, identified victims of exploitation, and dismantled criminal networks targeting vulnerable immigrant communities.\u201d<\/p>\n