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Kruse: Bill to engage students and senior citizen community passes Senate

STATEHOUSE (March 27, 2019) – A bill sponsored by State Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) that would work to improve school environments by engaging the senior citizen community passed the Senate by a vote of 46-2.

House Bill 1224 would establish the School Intergenerational Safety Pilot Project, a mentorship program that would be tested in three Indiana schools to foster positive relationships between students and volunteers who are at least 55 years of age.

Under the bill, volunteers must be willing to commit to participate in the project for two consecutive school years. They would also be required to undergo extensive background checks.

“I am confident this project would help create a positive learning environment for students by ensuring they have trusted adults they can turn to for encouragement and support,” Kruse said. “This program would bring people together and gather best practices to make the School Intergenerational Safety Pilot Program readily available to more schools throughout Indiana in the future.”

HB 1224 will now move back to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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For a high-resolution photo of Sen. Kruse, click here.