Draft bill #11543 of September 2, 2024 

Cosponsors: a group of 54 MPs from the factions Servant of the People and Batkivshchyna and the Trust group with Yuliia Hryshyna as the first signatory 

Who is affected: schools, schoolchildren, and local governments 

Status: sent for review to the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada on Education, Science, and Innovations 

Summary: 

  • school founders (local governments) will have to ensure the safety of schoolchildren during classes. This includes: 
    • establishing rules for the presence of people on school premises and in buildings 
    • fencing the school area 
    • equipping the school with security tools and emergency police call systems 
    • the school principal will have to assist in organizing activities aimed at preventing offenses among schoolchildren 
  • rules regarding the presence of people on school premises will have to be adopted by the pedagogical council and approved by the principal after consultation with the school’s founder. Everyone will have to adhere to these rules. People who are not participants in the educational process will be allowed to enter the school territory or buildings only with the principal’s permission, except for officials carrying out their duties 
  • entry will be prohibited for individuals: 
    • showing obvious signs of alcohol, drug, or other intoxication 
    • possessing dangerous items or substances, the list of which will be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers 
    • with animals (except those used in educational or upbringing processes) 
  • these provisions will not apply if the school operates as a shelter 
  • the school principal will contact the police if there is a threat to the safety of schoolchildren or the school, so police can take necessary measures to prevent danger 
  • individuals will not be allowed to be involved in school security if they: 
    • have an unspent or unexpunged criminal record 
    • have been found guilty of offenses against sexual freedom and inviolability 
    • have received administrative penalties for domestic violence, bullying, or failure to fulfill parenting responsibilities. 

What is right: 

  • the bill improves safety in schools 
  • the bill establishes mandatory rules regarding the presence of people in schools.