West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB4851

Introduced
1/17/24  
Refer
1/17/24  
Engrossed
2/8/24  
Refer
2/12/24  
Refer
2/12/24  

Caption

To allow for public and private schools in West Virginia to employ security personnel.

Impact

The implementation of HB 4851 is expected to alter the landscape of school security in West Virginia by legitimizing the role of armed security personnel on school grounds and thereby potentially enhancing the protection of students and staff. The bill mandates insurance coverage for schools hiring security officers and assigns the responsibility of equipment provision to the local educational authorities, which may lead to increased budgetary allocations for school safety measures. Additionally, the establishment of standards for training provides a formal avenue for accountability and quality assurance in how school security is managed and executed.

Summary

House Bill 4851 aims to enhance school safety by allowing both public and private educational institutions in West Virginia to employ dedicated security personnel known as school security officers. The bill requires that these officers undergo rigorous training and certification, encompassing relevant laws, liability issues, and conflict resolution strategies. Additionally, individuals hired for these positions must meet specific criteria, including being former law enforcement officers or having comparable experience in security roles, thereby ensuring that those responsible for school safety are adequately equipped to manage potential threats within the educational environment.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4851 is mixed, reflecting a divide between proponents who emphasize the necessity for heightened security in schools amid rising concerns over safety, and opponents who express apprehension about the implications of arming school personnel. Supporters argue that trained school security officers can mitigate risks and prevent violence in educational settings. Conversely, critics fear that the presence of firearms may escalate violent situations rather than alleviate them, and they call for alternative approaches to ensuring student safety that do not rely on armed personnel.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential effectiveness of arming school security officers as opposed to relying on trained, unarmed personnel or enhanced mental health support systems. Opponents also raise concerns about the socio-political implications of introducing firearms within educational environments, arguing that it fundamentally alters the nature of schools as safe havens for learning. Furthermore, the financial burden of hiring and maintaining security personnel, including insurance and training requirements, may place additional strain on local educational budgets, sparking debate over the allocation of resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HB2507

Relating to the West Virginia public employees grievance procedure

WV SB35

Limiting DEP employees entering private lands for environmental purposes only

WV HB2455

Defining a work day for school service personnel and removing a provision relating to employment of licensed practical nurses

WV HB3272

Relating to the operation of private trust companies in West Virginia

WV HB3562

Relating to the West Virginia Fusion Center

WV SB230

Allowing voluntary immunization of students in private schools

WV HB3348

To allow for the construction of safe entry ways to all public schools in West Virginia.

WV HB2073

To establish a state bank of West Virginia

WV SB2

Allowing private schools option of making vaccinations required for enrollment

WV SB614

Extending jurisdiction of School Safety Unit

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