Legislation to establish a statewide plan for funding school safety and security cleared the Senate Thursday on a unanimous vote.

Senate Bill 6620, sponsored by Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, would focus on one of the most critical concerns educators face today, the safety of children.

“Keeping our kids safe while they’re at school is just as important as making sure we are providing a world-class education,” McAuliffe said. “Parents deserve the certainty that their children are safe from the moment they say goodbye in the morning until they get home from school at night.”

The bill creates regional safety and security programs.

“Each of our school districts is unique and has local strengths and vulnerabilities that should be addressed collaboratively,” added McAuliffe. “This bill would empower school officials at individual schools to achieve safety goals that fit their needs.”

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.