Kansas Considers Funding AI Gun Detection In Schools

Kansas House K-12 Education Budget Committee Chair Kristey Williams, right, R-Augusta, confers with House Majority Leader Chris Croft, left, R-Overland Park, during a break in a daylong session at the

Kansas is on the verge of offering up to $5 million in grants for schools to equip surveillance cameras with artificial intelligence systems capable of identifying individuals carrying firearms. The proposed legislation requires the AI software to meet specific criteria, including being patented, designated as qualified anti-terrorism technology, compliant with security industry standards, and already in use in at least 30 states. Currently, only one company, ZeroEyes, meets all these requirements.

ZeroEyes, founded by military veterans after the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, utilizes AI technology to detect visible guns through surveillance cameras. Once a gun is identified, an alert is sent to a monitoring center staffed by former law enforcement officers and military veterans, who then notify school officials and local authorities.

While the technology itself is widely praised, some critics question the legislative tactics employed to favor specific companies. The stringent criteria set by the Kansas bill have raised concerns, with some school safety officials emphasizing the need for a broader focus on security measures beyond firearms detection.

ZeroEyes founded by military veterans after school shooting

Kansas offering grants for AI firearms detection in schools

AI technology detects visible guns and alerts monitoring center

Critics question legislative tactics favoring specific companies

Omnilert is a competitor lacking certain qualifications

Concerns about cost and anti-competitive environment

Florida spending on ZeroEyes implementation in select counties

Debate on fairness and competition in school security industry

Legislation in Iowa and Missouri tailored to accommodate companies like ZeroEyes

ZeroEyes is not the only company offering AI-powered firearms detection systems. Competitor Omnilert also provides similar services but lacks certain qualifications, such as a patent and designation as anti-terrorism technology by the Department of Homeland Security.

Despite the potential benefits of AI-driven weapons detection, concerns remain about the cost and the potential for creating an anti-competitive environment. Some states are establishing grant programs to assist schools in adopting this technology, with Florida spending nearly $929,000 to implement ZeroEyes in select counties.

Legislation in various states, including Iowa and Missouri, has been tailored to accommodate companies like ZeroEyes, prompting discussions about fairness and competition in the school security industry. The debate continues as policymakers weigh the balance between promoting innovative solutions and ensuring a level playing field for all vendors.