Bill > SB856

This bill modifies Oklahoma law to authorize certain school personnel to carry a concealed handgun on public school property under specific conditions. The bill requires that designated school personnel must either possess a valid armed security guard license, hold a valid reserve peace officer certification, or meet additional requirements including having a valid handgun license, completing 24 hours of specialized training (including 4 hours of weapon retention training certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training or CLEET), and demonstrating proficiency in handgun and active shooter training. School boards can adopt policies allowing such personnel to carry concealed handguns, but participation is voluntary and does not impact employment status. The bill mandates ongoing biennial training, including weapon retention and campus-specific active shooter training, and stipulates that authorized personnel must maintain the concealed firearm on their person at all times while on school property. The legislation aims to provide an additional layer of security for schools by allowing carefully vetted and trained school personnel to carry concealed firearms, with the intent of potentially preventing or quickly responding to active threat situations. The bill will become effective on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause emphasizing the importance of public safety.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb856&Session=2600