87R3646 MEW-D
By: Kolkhorst S.B. No. 838
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the authorization by a school district or
open-enrollment charter school for a person to carry or possess a
weapon on school premises for purposes of safety and security.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 37, Education Code, is
amended by adding Section 37.0814 to read as follows:
Sec. 37.0814. SCHOOL GUARDIANS. (a) In this section,
"school guardian" means a person who, pursuant to the written
regulations or written authorization of a school district or
open-enrollment charter school under Section 46.03(a)(1)(A), Penal
Code, is authorized to carry or possess a specified weapon for the
purpose of providing safety and security on the physical premises
of a school, any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored
by a school is being conducted, or a passenger transportation
vehicle of a school. The term does not include a school marshal, as
defined by Section 1701.001, Occupations Code, or a commissioned
peace officer.
(b) The Texas School Safety Center shall develop best
practices for school districts and open-enrollment charter schools
that authorize school guardians to provide safety and security.
(c) A school district or open-enrollment charter school
that authorizes school guardians shall report the identity of each
school guardian to:
(1) the Texas School Safety Center, in the form and
manner prescribed by the center; and
(2) a local law enforcement agency, on written request
of the head of the agency.
(d) Information on the identity of a school guardian
reported under Subsection (c) is confidential and is not subject to
disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code, by a school
district, an open-enrollment charter school, the Texas School
Safety Center, or a law enforcement agency.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.