Commission on school violence proposed

Thursday, April 29, 1999 | 11:40 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- In the wake of the school shooting in Colorado and multiple bomb threats at Nevada high schools, Assembly Democrats Wednesday proposed creation of a special Commission on School Violence and Juvenile Crime.

"We hope the state never has to endure a school-related tragedy but we have to be prepared at the state level and the local level to deal with the possibility if it occurs," Assembly Speaker Joe Dini, D-Yerington, said.

Dini wants the commission to be composed of law enforcement, school officials and the public. It would be charged with developing procedures to prevent school violence, as well as creating a state emergency response plan.

Majority Leader Richard Perkins, D-Henderson, said that as a police officer he has a first-hand view of school violence. "I think it is time that we as a state -- as police officers, teachers, parents and a concerned public -- address this issue to make sure our children remain safe at all times.

"We cannot wait for a catastrophe in Nevada before we act to protect our children," Perkins said.

The commission would hold town hall meetings to get suggestions from the public. When the plan is approved, each school district would be required to craft a locally based response to the problem. The commission would also recommend legislation to curb juvenile crime and decrease gang activity.

Its recommendations would be submitted to the 2001 Legislature.