This week, the Senate Subcommittee on Education passed House File 2586 with a favorable recommendation. It will now move to the Senate Committee on Education where it will be eligible for a vote. This bill would implement important school security measures as part of the ongoing effort to protect our schools. Please contact members of the committee and urge them to SUPPORT HF 2586 by using the Take Action Button below.
HF 2586 would require school districts with over 8000 students, to hire at least one private security officer to protect campuses with students actively enrolled in grades 9-12. School resource officers or private security officers would receive specialized training to ensure they can effectively protect the campuses to which they are assigned. The department of education would be responsible for developing and implementing a school security grant program to assist in funding these new positions and services.
Additionally, HF 2586 would provide school staff with the ability to carry on campus if they acquire a professional permit and receive additional training. This opportunity would be available to employees in participating school districts. Staff who obtain a permit to carry on campus and complete the necessary training requirements would be entitled to important legal protections. This would support school employees in cases where self-defense is used, and if the incident occurred on campus and during active school hours.
Once again, please contact members of the Senate Committee on Education and urge them to SUPPORT HF 2586.