Panel backs proposal to require law enforcement to inform schools of suspected criminal activity by students

A Senate panel endorsed a bill that would require law enforcement to inform school officials when a student is suspected of violating the law.

Current law says officers “may” report their suspicions to school officials. Opponents and several members of the juvenile justice summer study committee said most school districts already communicate well with law enforcement.

Opponents included lobbyists for South Dakota sheriffs, police chiefs and state’s attorneys.

Sen. Erin Tobin, R-Winner and sponsor of Senate Bill 3, argued that the compulsory language is needed for when a student is suspected of violating state drug or alcohol laws or of threatening violence.

“There is a problem. Anytime you’ve missed that line of communication and a child or a teacher are put in a safety situation, there’s a problem,” Tobin said.

The bill passed 4-2. It now moves to the Senate floor.