Bill
Bill > HB4851
WV HB4851
WV HB4851To allow for public and private schools in West Virginia to employ security personnel.
summary
Introduced
01/17/2024
01/17/2024
In Committee
03/05/2024
03/05/2024
Crossed Over
02/08/2024
02/08/2024
Passed
Dead
03/30/2024
03/30/2024
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2024 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §18-5-52; to amend and reenact §15-2D-3 of said code; and to amend and reenact §61-7-11a of said code, all relating to creating school security officers; requiring the director of the Division of Protective Services to establish standards for school security officers and issue a certificate; providing definitions; authorizing local school boards, public charter schools, and private or religious schools to employ school security officers; providing standards for a school security officer to carry a firearm on school grounds; requiring a background check; specifying the detention powers of a school security officer and limitations on detention powers; requiring data sharing with the Division of Protective Services; specifying payment for equipment; requiring insurance for schools employing a school security officer; and clarifying that the prohibitions on carry a firearm in a school zone do not apply to certified school security officers.
AI Summary
This bill allows public and private schools in West Virginia to employ school security officers. The key provisions are:
1. The Director of the Division of Protective Services must establish standards for training and certifying school security officers.
2. Local school boards, public charter schools, and private or religious schools can employ certified school security officers, including those who are retired law enforcement officers.
3. Certified school security officers may carry firearms on school grounds if they meet certain requirements, such as prior law enforcement experience and successful background checks.
4. School security officers have limited powers to detain individuals who commit a "breach of the peace" on school property, but cannot arrest or interrogate minors without parental consent.
5. Schools employing security officers must maintain adequate insurance coverage.
6. The bill clarifies that the prohibition on carrying firearms in a school zone does not apply to certified school security officers.
Committee Categories
Education, Justice
Sponsors (9)
Joe Statler (R)*,
Joe Ellington (R),
Paul Espinosa (R),
Dave Foggin (R),
Mike Hornby (R),
Bill Ridenour (R),
Doug Smith (R),
Darren Thorne (R),
Chris Toney (R),
Last Action
House Message received (on 03/09/2024)
Bill Topics
Education
- ‐ Elementary and Secondary Education
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
- ‐ Firearms and Gun Control
- ‐ Police, Fire, and Law Enforcement
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...