Relating to the training in school safety of certain educators of a school district or an open-enrollment charter school authorized to carry a concealed handgun on school premises.
The bill modifies Chapter 37 of the Education Code by adding a subchapter that specifically outlines the training requirements for school employees eligible to carry concealed handguns. Each year, the department must provide this training at no cost for two employees at schools without security personnel. Schools have the option to seek additional training for other staff members at their own expense. Furthermore, while participation in the training program cannot be enforced, the bill allows schools to revoke the authorization for an employee to carry a handgun if they refuse to participate.
SB17 aims to improve school safety by establishing a training program for certain educators in Texas school districts and open-enrollment charter schools who are authorized to carry a concealed handgun on school premises. The bill mandates the Department of Public Safety to develop and maintain a comprehensive safety training program for these educators, utilizing best practices from law enforcement standards. This initiative intends to better prepare school staff for emergency situations, ensuring that they can effectively protect students while carrying concealed weapons.
Overall, SB17 represents a significant change in how Texas approaches school safety by equipping trained educators with the authorization to carry concealed firearms on school property. Supporters advocate for the necessity of such measures in today’s climate of school safety concerns, while opponents raise critical questions about responsibilities, oversight, and the overall appropriateness of arming school staff.
One point of contention surrounding SB17 is the potential liability implications for school districts and employees. The bill includes provisions that protect these entities from lawsuits arising from actions taken under the training or related to employees carrying concealed handguns. Opponents of the bill may express concern that this limitation on liability could lead to less accountability among those authorized to carry firearms in schools, potentially compromising student safety.