2 new tools will protect Kansas schools from tragedy of gun violence | Opinion
As a father, veteran and Kansas House majority leader, nothing matters more to me than keeping Kansas families safe — especially our kids. When I’m out knocking doors in my district or talking with folks across the state, I hear the same question frequently: How do we make sure our schools are secure?
It’s a tough question, but House Republicans are answering it with real solutions. This year, we passed two programs that can make a big difference: a critical facility mapping grant to help first responders act fast and a firearm detection technology initiative to stop threats before they escalate.
I’ve seen firsthand how preparation saves lives. In the military, we relied on precise plans and the best tools to get the job done. That’s the mindset behind our new critical facility mapping program. Too often, first responders lose precious time navigating unfamiliar schools during a crisis. Outdated maps or conflicting data can slow them down — time we can’t afford to lose. Investigations into response times following school shootings have repeatedly found that first responders often struggle with unfamiliar buildings. A lack of up-to-date maps as well as different data across multiple agencies leads to confusion and significantly slower responses. In recent years, more than 20 states have invested in mapping programs to ensure response teams are on the same page in those critical first minutes. I’m thankful that this year, Kansas has joined that group.
Critical incident mapping works by creating smart maps of buildings using technology originally pioneered by our military special forces. This program creates a gridded image of the interior and exterior of a building that’s easy for law enforcement to read and follow. By using a grid, first responders can significantly reduce the time it takes to get to an incident, even if they’ve never been in that facility before. The program also requires verification of each facility map by an actual person walking the property. This avoids situations such as the Uvalde, Texas, tragedy, where outdated and inaccurate map depictions significantly hampered the response.
Going forward, Kansas’ State 911 Board will operate a grant program where local Public Safety Answering Points or PSAPs can apply for funding to map critical infrastructure in their area. The PSAPs are typically operated by local law enforcement officials who know their communities and needs best. To receive the grant, the mapping information must be made available to all law enforcement and first responders who could potentially respond to an emergency. It must also be in the format that works for each individual agency. That way first responders are all working off the same, accurate information. The grant program is designed to prioritize K-12 facilities first. Other critical infrastructure will be mapped as funding becomes available.
Another program passed into law this session creates a grant program for school districts to install firearm detection technology. If artificial intelligence-enabled security cameras spot what appears to be a firearm on campus, the system immediately sends the image to a live expert, who quickly reviews the image and if necessary, alerts the school and law enforcement. The critical facility mapping program and the firearm detection program will work in concert together. When law enforcement officials are notified of the presence of a firearm on campus, they will use the new mapping technology to quickly locate and neutralize the threat.
No one wants to imagine a school shooting in their town. But as a veteran, I know planning for the worst is how you protect what matters most. These tools are far more than just a deterrent — they’re a lifeline for our kids, teachers and first responders. House Republicans are committed to getting this technology in every Kansas school, and we’re just getting started.