HORRY CO., S.C. (WBTW)- South Carolina lawmakers are working to make active shooter drills be required by the state.
The bill is currently in the conference committee, and lawmakers said they will pick it back up in June after they vote on the budget.
Representative Marvin Pendarvis first introduced the bill after the Parkland, Florida shooting, and just three months later, another tragic school shooting in Texas killing 10 and injuring 13.
“The students there thought there was a fire drill going on in the morning. I think that shows even more of a need to have these drills just so we understand in the event that there’s a live shooter our students know whats going on,” said Rep. Pendarvis.
Right now, monthly fire drills are the only drill mandated by South Carolina. The proposed bill will require all public schools alternate between a fire drill or an active shooter drill once a month.
The schools will work with SLED, the state department of education, and guidance counselors to make sure the training is suitable for all age groups.\
“In the event these types of events meet South Carolina schools at its doorsteps. Our faculty, our staff, and most importantly our students are well prepared to handle them,” said Rep. Pendarvis
In Horry County, schools are required to do a lock down drill twice a year but it’s up to individual principals if they want to do more.
“Unfortunately, with the society that we live in we have children in high school that have been doing intruder drills since elementary school and have become very accustom in Horry County schools for several years,” said Lisa Bourcier, Horry County Schools spokesperson.
Horry County schools said the more drills the safer schools will be, and if it passes Rep. Pendarvis hopes it saves at least one life
“We see so much of it. It’s becoming more common place and that’s sad,” said Rep. Pendarvis.
Horry County schools will add more armed security officers to elementary schools meaning, next school year every school will have an armed officer. If the bill passes, lawmakers hope to have it in place for next school year.