Justice for Jana Elementary Act of 2023

Justice for Jana Elementary Act of 2023

This bill establishes a program and requirements regarding schools impacted by radioactive contaminants, including in the Hazelwood School District in Missouri.

Specifically, the bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to establish and execute new remediation goals for Jana Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District so that no portion of the site is subjected to radiation above background levels. (The school is located near Coldwater Creek, which is contaminated with radioactive waste from nearby sites used for the World War II nuclear weapons program.)

The bill establishes a Radioactive School Assistance Program (and fund) to provide financial assistance to local educational agencies that have been financially impacted by the presence of radioactive contaminants stemming from U.S. atomic energy activities.

Under the bill, schools in the Hazelwood School District in Missouri must be designated as vicinity properties of the St. Louis Airport Site for purposes of the USACE Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. Such schools must be investigated, including via on-site inspections and sampling, in accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the National Contingency Plan (i.e., the national plan for responding to spills or releases of hazardous substances).

The Department of Energy must review and report on the methodology and results of all tests for radioactive contaminants conducted at Jana Elementary School.

Bill 118 s 418, also known as the Justice for Jana Elementary Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to address issues related to school safety and bullying prevention in elementary schools.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a grant program to provide funding for schools to implement evidence-based bullying prevention programs. These programs would focus on promoting positive school climates, teaching students conflict resolution skills, and providing support for victims of bullying.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve reporting and response mechanisms for incidents of bullying in elementary schools. It requires schools to develop and implement policies for reporting and investigating bullying, as well as providing support for victims and consequences for perpetrators. Furthermore, the Justice for Jana Elementary Act of 2023 seeks to increase training for teachers and school staff on recognizing and addressing bullying behavior. This training would help educators better understand the dynamics of bullying and how to effectively intervene to prevent harm to students. Overall, the bill aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for elementary school students by addressing the issue of bullying through prevention, reporting, and response measures. If passed, the Justice for Jana Elementary Act of 2023 could have a significant impact on promoting positive school climates and protecting students from harm.