SPRINGFIELD – Violent threats against schools are becoming all-too-common, leading State Senator Julie Morrison to pass a measure to require rapid entry protocol for law enforcement and first responders, including the threat of firearms.

“Our first responders must be equipped and trained to handle any emergency situation – especially within schools,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “School shootings are sadly happening at record rates – we must be prepared in case tragedy strikes.”

Morrison’s House Bill 3559 would require schools’ emergency and crisis response plans to include procedures for local law enforcement to rapidly enter the school building in the event of an emergency.

House Bill 3559 passed the Senate just a month after five students at Highland Park High School were taken into custody following a report of a student with a handgun. The threat left the community shaken, as it came less than a year after the 4th of July mass shooting that took the lives of seven innocent community members.

“Law enforcement officers near Highland Park High School acted swiftly to keep the children safe,” said Morrison. “Standing up to help our kids in emergencies should be the norm.”

House Bill 3559 passed the Senate Thursday.