The bill does require annual background checks for teachers who are permitted to carry guns and mandates that they go through regular training on how to provide emergency medical care, how to communicate with law enforcement, and how to respond to a scene with an active shooter.
“This bill sets a very high standard,” Thompson said. “Because we're talking about the safety of our children, the bar must be high. We recognize that this responsibility must be taken very seriously. The strict training regimen outlined in this bill ensures that the employees who acquire this permit are equipped with the skills and the proficiency to act appropriately in the event of an emergency.”
Another section of the bill requires districts with more than 8,000 students to have at least one school resource officer or a private security officer guarding any building that enrolls high school students, although it includes a clause that allows school boards to opt-out of the requirement.
It also creates a grant program to help districts pay for security officers.
The bill passed
on a vote of 61-34 with only GOP members of the House voting in favor.