Panic-button funds for schools advance

The Arkansas House of Representatives on Wednesday unanimously passed a measure to allow state government to fund panic buttons in public schools.

The proposal, offered by Senate Republican leader Jim Hendren of Sulphur Springs, amends the Arkansas Economic Development Commission reappropriation for fiscal 2019 — Senate Bill 105. The amendment would allow the state to tap a pool of general improvement fund money that has been held by the commission for several years, said Rep. Lane Jean, R-Magnolia, co-chairman of the Joint Budget Committee.

Hendren has said the amendment is only a temporary fix, and lawmakers would have to revisit the matter in 2019 when they hold a regular session.

Last year, Gov. Asa Hutchinson vetoed legislation that would have allowed the state Department of Education to spend $850,000 for public school alert systems in fiscal 2018. Funds would have been pulled from various parts of state government to pay for that measure. Hutchinson said in a letter at the time that it was up to local schools to continue funding the panic buttons.

Asked whether Hutchinson supports increased funding for the alert system this year, Hutchinson spokesman J.R. Davis said this week, “I think it’s year to year and budget to budget.

“The governor always says there is never a shortage of worthwhile projects. It is just what we can afford, and I think Sen. [Jim] Hendren is the one who really stated its significance and why it is needed,” Davis said.

The one-time funds that will be used to fund the system are allowed to be used for public safety purposes under state law.

“It is something we didn’t have the previous time, so I think the governor is comfortable moving forward with it now,” Davis said.

Last week, Hendren noted both Democratic Sens. Linda Chesterfield of Little Rock and Joyce Elliott of Little Rock have made pitches for state funding for the panic button system. Hutchinson is Hendren’s uncle.

Rave Mobile Safety, the company behind the Rave Panic Button app used in Arkansas schools, has continued to provide the service, hoping to eventually regain state funding.

The amended bill will now go before the state Senate.

— Hunter Field and Michael R. Wickline