School violence liability debate begins in Colorado

A bill to make Colorado schools liable for shootings faces its first test Monday in the state Legislature.

A Senate committee starts work on the measure inspired by the 2013 shooting death of Claire Davis at Arapahoe High School in Littleton.

The bill allows shooting victims or their relatives to collect up to $350,000 for violence “when the harm is reasonably foreseeable.”

The measure would waive the state’s governmental immunity for schools. If passed, the law would apply retroactively to 2013.

The bill is supported by Davis’ parents, but they have made an agreement with Littleton Public Schools not to sue.

The committee will also consider a bill ordering more study of school violence and mental health.