Bill requires cameras upon request in special ed classes

After a committee discussed his proposal for an hour, the sponsor of a bill requiring schools to place video cameras in special education classrooms upon request agreed to temporarily hold the bill to make several changes.

House Bill 1019 by Rep. Jim Sorvillo, R-Little Rock, would mandate schools install cameras in self-contained classrooms at the request of a student’s parents or district staff.

The legislation, Sorvillo said, was inspired by several abuse incidents involving “non-verbal” students with disabilities.

Committee members — while saying they were generally supportive of the bill’s intent — raised a handful of concerns about the particulars of the proposal, including which individuals could review footage and how much the cameras would cost school districts.

Heather Shrader, a disability advocate who helped Sorvillo draft the legislation, told the committee a price couldn’t be put on the protection of the children impacted by HB1019.

“It’s for security,” Shrader said. “It’s not to criminalize anyone. It’s not to make education harder. It’s not to put anyone under a microscope, and it’s certainly not to pit parent against parent.

“It’s simply security in the event of abuse and neglect.”

Schools now have the ability to install cameras in classroom, but they aren’t required even if requested, as would be the case under HB1019.

The bill wouldn’t allow “continuous monitoring” of classroom footage, but it would permit certain individuals (parents, law enforcement and certain school personnel) to review the video recordings if an incident is alleged.

The bill would also require schools to blur the faces of students who aren’t involved in any incidents.