INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Indiana lawmakers say they hope to improve security at schools around the state by offering grants toward hiring police officers and buying safety equipment.

             A bill approved Thursday by a state Senate committee would set up a two-year matching grant program allowing schools up to $50,000 a year. Bill sponsor Sen. Pete Miller of Avon says he hopes $10 million a year will be set aside for the program, so that 200 grants could be awarded.

             Miller says the program aims to encourage districts to hire police officers who’ve undergone extra training as school resource officers. He says that would be in addition to the administrator or teacher who already leads a school’s general safety program.

             The plan now goes to the full Senate for consideration.