Texas House Bill HB55

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the carrying and possession of a concealed handgun by a school marshal.

Impact

The implementation of HB 55 signifies a considerable change in the approach to school safety in Texas. By allowing school marshals, who are typically employees trained to ensure safety on school premises, to carry concealed firearms without restrictions on storing the weapon in a secured safe while on duty, the bill enhances the authorities given to school marshals. This could potentially lead to an increased presence of firearms on school campuses, which may impact students, parents, and educators' perceptions of safety.

Summary

House Bill 55 addresses the regulations governing the carrying and possession of concealed handguns by school marshals in Texas. The bill modifies the existing provisions under the Education Code, specifically Section 37.0811 and Section 51.220, to allow school marshals to carry a concealed handgun on their person while on duty. This change aims to enhance the safety measures within schools by empowering designated personnel to be armed and prepared to respond to potential threats.

Contention

The bill has sparked a debate among legislators and the public regarding the appropriateness of arming school personnel. Supporters argue that this change is necessary to ensure quick response capabilities in the event of an emergency, potentially deterring threats and protecting students. Conversely, opponents express concerns about the implications of having more firearms in educational settings, fearing it may inadvertently lead to accidents or escalate conflicts. The regulation around the use of frangible duty ammunition — aimed at minimizing the risk of injury — also raises questions about its adequacy as a sole safety measure.