PLAN for School Safety Act of 2025

Customized School Safety and Mental Health Plans: The bill allows for the development of individualized safety plans that fit the specific, age-appropriate needs of a school community (Section 2(b)(3)(B)).

Support for Vulnerable Communities: The Director is directed to give preference to entities with existing relationships with rural, Tribal, or low-resourced communities, as well as minority-serving institutions (Section 2(b)(2)).

Increased Public Awareness: The centers are tasked with creating materials to increase regional awareness regarding school safety and student mental health for parents, educators, and youth (Section 2(b)(3)(A)).

Financial and Technical Assistance: The program aims to help schools identify and apply for Federal or State government funding to implement their safety plans (Section 2(b)(3)(C)(i-ii)).

Youth Involvement in Safety Policy: The establishment of a Youth Advisory Council ensures that youth, including those who have experienced school violence, can provide advice on how these programs are implemented (Section 2(c)(2)).

Financial Matching Requirement: Eligible entities cannot receive full federal funding, as the Federal share of the cost for activities may not exceed 95 percent, meaning there is a cost-sharing requirement (Section 2(b)(4)).

Restrictions on Training: The funds provided by this act cannot be used to consult or train any school or person in the use of firearms (Section 2(f)(2)(A)).

Employment Restrictions: Funds may not be used to hire school personnel or contractors for the schools that the Safety Development Centers are currently advising (Section 2(f)(2)(B)).