The Pennsylvania Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 246, which would require schools to notify parents and teachers of incidents involving weapons on school grounds.

The bill, which passed the Senate earlier this year 45–4 and the House 202–1, ensures that parents, guardians, and school staff are promptly notified whenever a weapon is discovered on school grounds or during school activities, regardless of whether the incident results in an expulsion. Under current law, school districts must only report incidents involving weapons to the Department of Education when they result in expulsions.

It applies to “any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury” brought to campus and/or school sponsored events and transportation.

Governor Josh Shapiro has until November 1 to sign or veto it.

“Every parent deserves to know when there’s a safety threat at their child’s school, especially one involving a weapon,” said Senator Christine M. Tartaglione. “Right now, if a weapon is found but doesn’t lead to an expulsion, families may never be informed. That’s unacceptable. Safety shouldn’t be a secret.”

The bill is below: