Mo. House panel mulls school security measure

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Making a false report that jeopardizes school security procedures or causing false fears that lead to a lockdown could result in a felony charge under legislation before a Missouri House committee.

The bill was prompted by a TV news story about school security last month that led to a roughly 40-minute lockdown at Kirkwood High School in St. Louis County. A reporter for KSDK-TV visited four elementary schools and the high school. At the high school, he came into the school, asked to speak with security and then left.

Kirkwood officials, a parent and a student favored the legislation Monday. Supporters said some were scared and the actions were dangerous.

KSDK-TV has apologized and led a newscast stating that though unintentional, its actions caused stress and fear.