The Threat Level blog from Wired.com is reporting on a proposal in congress that would provide millions of dollars for the funding of video surveillance cameras to be used in US elementary schools.

On April 17, federal lawmakers will have a hearing on a proposal that allows public schools to use millions in federal grants to install surveillance cameras in their halls.

The proposed bill adds surveillance cameras to the list of security items eligible for Justice Department Safe School grants.

However, the bill would bar schools from using the security grant funding for assessing what the threats and weaknesses to the school are.

That item is replaced in the bill by phone tip lines where people can report dangerous students.

The House Judiciary committee’s Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security subcommittee will convene a hearing on the school surveillance on Thursday April 17 at 10 a.m. EST.

Source: Wired.com