Bill > HB4402

This bill establishes the framework for appointing and managing school protection officers, who are authorized to act on school property and adjacent streets, with potential for expanded jurisdiction through agreements with local law enforcement. To qualify, these officers must pass background checks, drug tests, and psychological evaluations, and can meet requirements by fulfilling existing law-enforcement officer certification standards, including retired police officers. School protection officers can be removed by the sheriff who appointed them, unless good cause for removal is demonstrated according to state law, and they are prohibited from engaging in political activities that benefit the sheriff's office or candidates. The bill also intends for these officers to meet federal Law-Enforcement Officers Safety Act requirements and allows school governing boards to apply for grants available to other law enforcement agencies to enhance their duties. Importantly, law enforcement agencies are exempt from liability for vacant school protection officer positions, and the bill includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part is found invalid, the rest remains in effect.