Two key pieces of legislation sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco, to support education and public safety in schools have successfully advanced through their respective policy committees, marking an important step forward in the legislative process.

Senate Bill 5027 establishes a loan repayment program for public defense attorneys and prosecutors, aiming to address workforce shortages in the justice system by incentivizing legal professionals to serve in public sector roles.

“Our justice system relies on dedicated professionals who often take on substantial student debt to serve our communities,” said Torres. “This bill is about ensuring we have qualified attorneys in public defense and prosecution while also making legal education more accessible.”

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 5004 takes a proactive approach to school safety by updating emergency response systems in K-12 schools. The bill encourages the use of modern panic or alert button systems to improve response times during emergencies, enhancing security measures for students and school staff.

“Schools must be equipped with the latest safety tools to protect students and teachers,” Torres emphasized. “Updating emergency response systems is a critical step toward faster, more effective communication in crisis situations.”

Both bills have gained bipartisan support and are moving forward in the legislative process. Their advancement reflects Torres’ commitment to strengthening education at all levels—ensuring law students have viable career paths in public service while prioritizing safety in K-12 schools.