California to Standardize Active-Shooter Drills in Schools

New legislation aims to ban fake gunfire and require advance notification, addressing concerns over trauma and confusion during drills.

Proposed legislation in California seeks to ban fake gunfire and require schools to notify students, teachers, and parents ahead of active-shooter drills.
The bill, introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Chris Ward, aims to standardize drills and make them less traumatic for students.
Recent incidents, including a principal pretending to shoot students during a drill, have raised concerns over the current approach to active-shooter drills.
Studies suggest that active-shooter drills can increase depression, stress, and other mental health issues among students.
The legislation would also mandate age-appropriate drills and ensure access to mental health resources post-drill.