U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer Introduces New Bill to Improve Safety - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

WASHINGTON D.C. -- On Thursday U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer introduced new legislation to strengthen safety at local schools and to make sure state and local officials can better secure school campuses.

The bill is called the School Safety Enhancements Act, which said it would expand and strengthen the Justice Department's existing Secure Our Schools grants. If passed, the bill would give schools more resources to install tip lines, surveillance equipment and secured entrances plus other safety measures.

The bill is expected to increase Secure Our Schools funds from $30 million to $100 million. The Secure Our Schools Program from the Justice Department requires a 50% match from local government. Boxer's proposal would reduce that share to 20% for schools with limited resources.