SB12-079, Safe2Tell Communication Technology

SB12-079

CONCERNING REVISIONS TO THE SAFE2TELL PROGRAM RELATNG TO ADVANCES IN COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Sen. King S., Rep. Stephens
Staff Name: Stuart Rubinstein

What the Bill Does:SB 12-079 amends the safe2tell program, which is designed to provide students with a means to anonymously pass on information concerning dangerous, violent or criminal activities. Clarifications to the safe2tell program are designed to make the system more compatible with today’s technologically advanced student. The bill removes any reference to the safe2tell “hotline.” By removing the word hotline it becomes more apparent that the safe2tell program is able to receive information in various ways. SB 12-079 also clarifies that information that is given to the program is confidential and expands the information sharing procedures to conform to the statutory school response framework. Finally, the bill corrects the name in the statute from safe-2-tell to safe2tell.

Colorado Context: Under current law, Safe2Tell is already operating in Colorado, administered by the Colorado Trust, a private non-profit organization. The Safe2Tell program is, “based on the Columbine Commission Report’s recommendation that students need a safe and anonymous way to keep lines of communication open.” SB 12-079 will simply ensure that the Safe2tell program operates efficiently and effectively.

National Context: According to the United States Secret Service and Department of Education
• “. . . in 81% of dangerous or violent incidents in schools, someone other than the attacker knew the incident was going to happen but did not report or act on that knowledge.”
• “. . .in incidents of targeted school violence, most attackers engaged in some behavior prior to the incident that caused others concern or indicated a need for help.”
Programs such as Safe2Tell have been instituted in many states across the country to try to combat these statistics.

Fiscal Impact: None