Bill > HB2187

This bill proposes to authorize teachers, administrators, and support personnel in K-12 schools to carry concealed firearms by establishing a School Protection Officer (SPO) program with specific requirements and training. Under the proposed legislation, school districts can voluntarily designate school employees as SPOs, who must first complete a comprehensive 24-hour training program covering topics like threat mitigation, crisis intervention, active shooter response, and tactical firearms training. To qualify, SPOs must have a valid concealed carry permit and pass a yearly behavioral health assessment. The bill mandates that SPOs can only carry firearms within their personal control, must coordinate with other armed security personnel, and can be immediately removed from their position for violations. The program is funded with $5,000 per county school district, with the SPO volunteer responsible for weapon qualification costs up to $50. The legislation emphasizes that participation is voluntary and additional to an employee's normal duties, and includes provisions for notification, record-keeping, and potential revocation of SPO status. Notably, the bill requires written justification if a superintendent or county board denies an SPO designation and ensures that SPO identification information remains confidential.