Lawmakers focus on college security after Newtown

Associated Press

SUSAN HAIGH, Associated Press

Updated: Mar 19, 2013 3:46 PM

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut lawmakers are considering ways to boost security measures at the state's colleges and universities, in addition to primary and secondary schools, following the deadly massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Members of the General Assembly's Higher Education Committee on Tuesday heard testimony on a bill that would require each state and independent higher education institution to submit an up-to-date security protocol plan to the state's Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection by Oct. 1.

The schools would also be required to establish trained threat assessment teams for their campuses.

Rep. Roberta Willis, the committee's co-chairman, said a bipartisan legislative task force had originally planned to review higher education security but did not have enough time. The members decided to instead focus on primary and secondary school safety measures.

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