Increase in Safety on Utah College Campuses Moving Forward in Senate

A bill to increase safety on Utah college campuses is moving forward in the state Senate.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown was among those who testified in support of Senate Bill 134 yesterday.

The bill would require public universities and technical schools to develop a safety plan to help students who are victims of abuse or violence.

Its sponsor says the bill was inspired by Lauren McCluskey, a University of Utah student who was killed on campus last year.

Investigators found McCluskey had called police several times seeking help because she felt threatened by the man who eventually killed her.

The bill passed the Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee unanimously and will now be considered by the full Senate.

Chief Brown hopes the bill will get more victims to come forward and talk to police.