(Radio Iowa) – The legislature has sent the governor a bill to let schools assemble “safety assessment teams” that could share information about students who might pose a threat. Senator Dan Dawson of Council Bluffs says people from the local, county and state offices could be part of these teams. “To try to identify potential problems sooner,” Dawson said, “and get the needed intervention.” Local police, juvenile court officials, mental health counselors and social workers could be part these teams alongside school officials. The bill also would let state agencies and schools share information on students they believe may pose a threat to others.

Republican Representative Henry Stone of Forest City says collaboration among educators, law enforcement and social service professionals is already happening, but there are some hurdles now to sharing information. “Threats directed toward the safety of our children at school are on the rise across the country,” Stone said. “…All this bill does is if a school chooses to participate, it will give that school a tool that they can utilize to break that communication barrier.”

Stone says schools must still adhere to laws that prohibit the disclosure of sensitive health information and student education records. The Iowa Department of Public Safety proposed the legislation, which is headed to the governor for approval. The bill cleared the Senate unanimously a month ago and the House gave it unanimously approval yesterday (Monday).