Arkansas House lawmakers have authorized a study to explore how prepared the state's public schools are to prevent and respond to acts of violence in light of the Connecticut school massacre last year.
The House voted 83 to 6 to approve a measure that directs a legislative committee to determine best practices for preventing violence against students and teachers. The committee would also make suggestions for how schools can improve their readiness. The report would be due by September 2014.
The Senate already approved the measure last week but will need to approve an amendment that includes the House Education Committee in the study before the bill heads to the governor's desk.
