Threats Against Schools (H 5068A)

In February, the ACLU testified before the House Judiciary committee in opposition to legislation making the use of a computer, phone, or similar device to make threats against a school or daycare facility a felony. The ACLU testified that such legislation is unnecessary, as making such threats is already a crime, and that this legislation would be disproportionately levied against young, immature students with no intention of following through on their statements. The ACLU further noted that the legislation was broadly worded, applying to any “statements … concerning the endangerment of students” and could criminalize such benign activity as complaining about deficiencies in the school’s safety plan. The bill was subsequently amended before passage by the House, but many of the ACLU’s concerns remained unaddressed. The bill was not approved by the Senate Judiciary committee prior to the end of the legislative year, and died.