1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Securing Children in Schools Act of 2018 . 2. Additional grants for school security Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: OO Additional grants for school security 3040. Program authorized (a) In general The Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (in this section referred to as the Director ) is authorized to make grants to States, units of local government, and Indian tribes to provide for the placement and use of metal detectors and other screening technologies at schools and on school grounds. (b) Uses of funds Grants awarded under this section shall be distributed directly to the State, unit of local government, or Indian tribe, and shall be used to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through the placement and use of metal detectors and other screening technologies. (c) Preferential consideration In awarding grants under this subchapter, the Director shall give preferential consideration, if feasible, to an application from a jurisdiction that has a demonstrated need for improved security, has a demonstrated need for financial assistance, and has evidenced the ability to make the improvements for which the grant amounts are sought. (d) Equitable distribution In awarding grants under this subchapter, the Director shall ensure, to the extent practicable, an equitable geographic distribution among the regions of the United States and among urban, suburban, and rural areas. (e) Administrative costs The Director may reserve not more than 2 percent from amounts appropriated to carry out this subchapter for administrative costs. 3041. Applications (a) In general To request a grant under this part, the chief executive of a State, unit of local government, or Indian tribe shall submit an application to the Attorney General at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Attorney