If enacted, HB 485 would amend several provisions of the Public School Code, allowing local school boards to employ school marshals who have a valid concealed carry license and have completed the requisite training. The act includes stipulations on how school marshals should store, carry, and utilize firearms on campus. It seeks to establish clear standards for training, which will encompass crisis intervention, emergency response protocols, and de-escalation techniques, while aiming to maintain a safe environment for students and staff.
House Bill 485, also known as the School Marshal Act, proposes the establishment of a framework for the employment of school marshals within New Mexico public schools. This legislation is aimed at enhancing security measures by permitting trained former law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons on school premises. The bill outlines the qualifications, training requirements, and operational guidelines for school marshals, further mandating that training is to be developed and administered by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Standards and Training Council.
The bill has generated discussions about balancing school safety with the risks associated with armed personnel in educational environments. Supporters argue that学校 marshals can deter potential threats and may respond more effectively during critical incidents. Conversely, opponents express concerns regarding the presence of firearms in schools and the implications for student safety and mental health. They also highlight the necessity of comprehensive training, emphasizing that adequate preparation and psychological evaluations for marshals are crucial before allowing armed individuals in schools.