State elected officials are proposing competing tactics to keep Maryland’s public schools safe from a possible gunman.
Speaking with reporters after Thursday's floor session, Senate President Mike Miller said he met with senators that morning about creating a "comprehensive" package of bills aimed at protecting schools. He promised at least four bills, including some boosting school social workers and placing armed security guards at schools.
“Maryland’s going to come up with the most comprehensive proposals in the United States so that Columbine or a situation like in Florida is not going to happen here in Maryland," he said. "Or if it does, the police are going to have — there’s going to be time for the police to respond and deal with the situation at hand.”
Arming teachers is not on the table, he said.
Miller was responding to Hogan’s announcement Wednesday in which the governor proposed increased funding for school security and legislation creating statewide school safety standards.
Hogan also announced support for several existing bills, including Democrats’ proposed bump stock ban.