State senator David Burns from Washington County is proposing the legislation. He served 20 years as a state trooper, and believes concealed weapons will add a level of security currently missing in some school districts.
Sen. David Burns (R): Police resources are stretched in this state and we talk about 30 minutes or more response to an emergency situation. This to me, is a stop gap, something that can be done very effectively. I see it as a viable option.
This bill includes strict guidelines, including the completion of a firearms training course that is a lot like the one required for new police officers.
There will be an annual re-certification, and participants must undergo a psychological exam. That person would then have to be approved by the local governing board, superintendent, and the principal. Those school officials and local law enforcement would be the only ones authorized to know the identity of the concealed weapons carrier.
All this means if the bill does become law, getting a permit to carry a concealed weapon at school would be a much more intricate process than getting a run-of-the-mill concealed carry permit.
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