Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan proposed emergency legislation for school safety in the wake of last week’s fatal shooting at Great Mills High School.
“We've got probably one of the most aggressive proposals in America, and we're going to do everything we can to get it done in the next 13 days,” Hogan said.
That's when the Maryland General Assembly adjourns.
The issue of school safety became a top priority after Austin Rollins shot and killed 16-year-old Jaelynn Willey before shooting himself to death at Great Mills High in St. Mary's County. A 14-year-old also was wounded.
Hogan proposed more than $200 million from Maryland casino revenues to provide more protection from gun violence. It would pay for secure doors and windows, security cameras, panic buttons, additional mental health counselors and school resource officers.
“It includes physical improvements to the schools but also mental health counselors and school safety resource officers,” Hogan said. “I can't imagine how anybody could have an issue with school safety.”
Democrats say they have their own plans to provide millions of dollars to protect students, but lawmakers from both parties said they are optimistic legislators will take action before this session ends.
