Congressman John Curtis (UT-3) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the STOP School Violence Act, a bill he cosponsored: “Following the horrific shooting that took place at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, less than one month ago, I asked myself what I would expect from my elected officials if one of my children or grandchildren had been killed that day,” Curtis said. “I made a promise to call on my friends and colleagues to show leadership and put forward some real solutions to prevent these kinds of tragedies from ever happening again, and one of the things I committed to do was cosponsor H.R. 4909, the Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing (STOP) School Violence Act. Today, as students across the country are marching for change by walking out of their classrooms, I think it was appropriate for the House, with my support, to pass this bipartisan bill, because if there is one place students should feel safe, it is at school.” This important piece of legislation is a critical step that honors Second Amendment rights, while also empowering local leaders to protect our schools. This bill will help establish and fund four key initiatives: Grant funding for training to prevent student violence against others for local law enforcement officers, school personnel, and students. Improve school security with technology and equipment. This includes needed improvements to school security infrastructure and technology like the Safe UT app. Development and operation of evidence-based school threat assessment and crisis intervention teams, which may include evidence-based training for school officials in responding to mental health crises. Provide funding for continued coordination with local law enforcement.