Governor Signs Comprehensive School Safety Legislation into Law
On July 9, 2025, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 68 into law. The legislation, which takes effect August 28 unless otherwise specified, marks a major milestone in Missouri’s commitment to school safety. SB 68 represents a comprehensive approach to safeguarding school communities, addressing training, personnel, planning, equipment, risk assessment, mental health, and physical security. By codifying these best practices into law, Missouri has established a critical framework for protecting students, educators, and staff across the state.
Key provisions in Senate Bill 68 include:
Emergency Operations Plans (160.480)
Physical Security Site Assessments (160.480)
Stop the Bleed® Kits (160.485)
School Safety Coordinator Roles (160.660)
FEMA Incident Command Response Training (160.660)
Anti-Intruder Door Locks (160.663)
Electronic Personal Communication Device Policies (162.207)
Behavioral Risk Assessment Records (167.020)
Prosecutorial Notification & Alternative Education Placement (167.115)
CPR Training Requirements (167.624)
Armed Intruder Response Training (170.315)
Courage2Report Program (170.315)
“Safe schools are the foundation of successful schools,” said Melissa Randol, Executive Director of MSBA. “The school safety provisions in Senate Bill 68 ensure that every Missouri school has the tools, training, and support needed to create an environment where students and staff can thrive. Missouri schools take this responsibility seriously. This year alone, key safety personnel from over 360 LEAs have been trained through our Center for Education Safety. We’re proud to partner with school communities across the state to build safe, strong learning environments for all.”
The Missouri School Boards’ Association’s Center for Education Safety (CES) serves as the state’s official school safety center, recognized by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Since its launch on September 1, 2010, CES has earned national recognition for its expertise in school safety. CES provides training, access to resources, and expert guidance to help school districts implement the new requirements under SB 68.
Upcoming CES Training Opportunities:
School Safety Academy certification (160.660)
Stop the Bleed® Train-the-Trainer sessions (160.485)
Emergency Operations Planning workshops (160.480)
Armed Intruder Response and Drill Training (170.315)
PREPaRE® Workshops 1 & 2 (160.480, 170.315)
Incident Command Systems training (160.660)
Behavioral Risk Assessment and Management Team Training (167.020)
Reunification Planning and Onsite Drills (160.660)
Crisis Wellbeing & Behavioral Risk Summits
Digital Threats & Social Media Safety Training (162.207)
For a full calendar of CES training events, visit www.mosba.org. Onsite training and customized district-level support are also available upon request.
Missouri school leaders are encouraged to contact CES for guidance, training, and resources to support full implementation of these new safety standards.
Featured in the photo: State Representative Brenda Shields, MSBA's John McDonald, and teacher Travis Coleman look on as Governor Mike Kehoe signs SB 68 into law.
