PRINTER'S NO. 3692
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
2492
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY ORTITAY, BARRAR, BOBACK, KULIK, MURT, RYAN AND
STEPHENS, JUNE 14, 2018
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JUNE 14, 2018
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," providing for threat assessment.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding an
article to read:
ARTICLE XIII-B
THREAT ASSESSMENT
Section 1301-B. Violence prevention committee and threat
assessment teams on college campuses.
(a) Adoption of policies.--Each public institution of higher
education shall have in place policies and procedures for the
prevention of violence on campus, including assessment and
intervention with individuals whose behavior poses a threat to
the safety of the campus community.
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(b) Committee.--The board of directors or other governing
body of each public institution of higher education shall
determine a committee structure on campus of individuals charged
with education and prevention of violence on campus. Each
committee shall include representatives from student affairs,
law enforcement, human resources, counseling services, residence
life and other constituencies as needed. The committee shall
also consult with legal counsel as needed. Once formed, each
committee shall develop a clear statement of:
(1) Mission.
(2) Membership.
(3) Leadership.
The statement shall be published and available to the campus
community.
(c) Duties of committee.--Each committee shall be charged
with:
(1) Providing guidance to students, faculty and staff
regarding recognition of threatening or aberrant behavior
that may represent a threat to the community.
(2) Identifying members of the campus community to whom
threatening behavior should be reported.
(3) Establishing policies and procedures for the
assessment of individuals whose behavior may present a
threat.
(4) Providing appropriate means of intervention with
such individuals and sufficient means of action, including
interim suspension, referrals to community services boards or
health care providers for evaluation or treatment, or medical
separation to resolve potential threats.
(d) Threat assessment team.--The board of visitors or other
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governing body of each public institution of higher education
shall establish a specific threat assessment team that shall
include members from law enforcement, mental health
professionals, representatives of student affairs and human
resources and, if available, college or university counsel. Such
team shall implement the assessment, intervention and action
policies set forth by the committee under subsection (c).
(e) Threat assessment team functions.--Each threat
assessment team shall establish relationships or utilize
existing relationships with State and local law enforcement
agencies as well as mental health agencies to expedite
assessment and intervention with individuals whose behavior may
present a threat to safety. Upon a preliminary determination
that an individual poses a threat of violence to self or others,
or exhibits significantly disruptive behavior or need for
assistance, a threat assessment team may obtain criminal history
record information. No member of a threat assessment team shall
redisclose any criminal history record information or health
information obtained under this section or otherwise use any
record of an individual beyond the purpose for which such
disclosure was made to the threat assessment team.
(f) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following
words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Public institution of higher education." A community
college or an institution which is part of the State System of
Higher Education under Article XX-A.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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