Shreveport, Louisiana, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Louisiana has enacted ACT 425 to enhance emergency preparedness in schools amid rising safety concerns over gun violence. The law mandates schools to maintain and update mapping data for all educational facilities and notify public safety agencies of any changes. This initiative is designed to ensure that local law enforcement can respond swiftly in emergencies, fostering a safer environment for students as the new school year approaches. Additionally, community events are planned to support students in need.
Shreveport, Louisiana – A new law, ACT 425, has been enacted in Louisiana to enhance emergency preparedness in schools. The law requires schools to improve their emergency response procedures by maintaining and updating mapping data for all educational facilities, including preschools, elementary, middle, and high schools. This initiative stems from escalating safety concerns related to gun violence in schools, particularly in the Shreveport and Bossier areas.
Under ACT 425, schools are mandated to promptly notify public safety agencies of any changes made to their mapping data. This ensures that local law enforcement can access these maps without the constraints of public records regulations, thereby expediting emergency responses in critical situations. The legislation aims to create safer environments for students as the new school year approaches.
As a crucial part of this law, Don Gibbs, the Director of Security for Caddo Parish Schools, has highlighted the necessity of constantly updating the mapping data as school protocols evolve. Simple modifications, such as renaming hallways, require immediate updates to ensure that first responders have accurate information. Both Caddo and Bossier Parish school districts are dedicated to collaborating with local first responders to bolster student safety effectively.
The enactment of ACT 425 comes at a time when parents are increasingly concerned about school safety. Local parents in Caddo Parish, including one named Joy Vinson, have voiced strong support for greater law enforcement involvement in ensuring the safety of their children. With the upcoming school year beginning on August 13 for Caddo Parish students, the Shreveport Police Department is making school zone safety a top priority.
To support these safety efforts, a community event known as Safety Town will take place on July 26, providing free school supplies and haircuts to students in need. Such initiatives reflect a community-driven approach to enhancing student well-being and preparedness for the upcoming school year.
ACT 425 is part of a larger, ongoing effort within Louisiana to protect students and alleviate concerns surrounding gun violence in schools. The comprehensive nature of the law ensures that emergency procedures are up-to-date and that law enforcement can respond swiftly and effectively when incidents occur.
As the first day of school approaches, the emphasis on safety continues to be paramount, promoting not only a secure school environment but also restoring confidence among parents, students, and the community at large.
FAQ
- What is ACT 425?
- ACT 425 is a new law in Louisiana establishing requirements for emergency preparedness procedures in schools, including the maintenance and updating of mapping data for all educational facilities.
- Why was ACT 425 enacted?
- The law was enacted to address rising safety concerns related to gun violence in schools, particularly in the Shreveport and Bossier areas.
- What must schools do under this law?
- Schools are required to maintain and update their mapping data, notify public safety agencies of any changes, and allow local law enforcement access to this data without public record regulations.
- When do classes start for Caddo Parish students?
- Classes for Caddo Parish students begin on August 13.
- What community event is being held to support students?
- A Safety Town event will take place on July 26, providing free school supplies and haircuts to students in need.
Key Features of ACT 425
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Law Name | ACT 425 |
| Previous Name | SB126 |
| Requirements | Maintain and update school mapping data, notify public safety agencies of changes |
| Impact | Enhanced emergency response procedures and safety protocols in schools |
| Context | Address rising concerns over school safety and gun violence |
| First Day of School | August 13 for Caddo Parish students |
| Community Event | Safety Town on July 26 providing free supplies and haircuts |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jeri Bowen Appointed Interim Representative for District 8
Shooting Incident Leaves Two Injured on Peach Street in Shreveport
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Teen in Shreveport
Two Injured in Possible Drive-By Shooting in Shreveport
Lane Closures on Knight Street for Reconstruction in Shreveport
Recent Wave of Violence in Shreveport Raises Concerns
Shreveport Man Arrested After Gun Incident at Preschool Graduation
A Community in Shock: Tragic Shooting at Local Church
Tragedy Strikes at Minneapolis Catholic Church
Shreveport, Louisiana Prepares for Severe Thunderstorms and Excessive Rain
Additional Resources
- KTAL News: Shreveport School Zone Safety
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Caddo Sheriff School Supplies Donations
- KSLA: Caddo Schools Investigation
- Shreveport Times: Louisiana’s School Bus Laws
- KTBS: Caddo Schools Security Director’s Safety Efforts
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- Google Search: School Safety Initiatives
- Google Scholar: School Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Google News: School Safety Louisiana
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
