Oklahoma state lawmakers pass bill to allow more teachers, support staff to carry guns
OKLAHOMA CITY OK March 23 2021
State lawmakers are considering a bill that could allow more teachers and school staff to carry guns in school.
The bill would let local school districts decide whether they want teachers and staff to carry, and they could set training requirements.
Currently, school districts can allow teachers and staff to carry if they have a valid armed security guard license or a valid reserve peace officer certification.
This bill would also allow districts to allow staff to carry if they have a handgun license and additional training.
“This is a bill about safety of kids, that’s what this bill is absolutely about,” said Rep. J.J. Humphrey, R-Lane.
House Republicans argued that the change is needed to protect against possible active shooters, particularly in more isolated, rural districts.
“I have places that are 45 minutes from any law enforcement. Guess what, a trained person can take out the entire school if they walk through that school, they can take out the entire school,” Lane said.
Democrats blasted the bill as unsafe and not right for classrooms – places where teachers are charged with creating a safe learning environment.
“Our kids are at stake. Their lives are at stake. Their safety is at stake. To allow a teacher to walk into a classroom — an educator — to have an AR-15 or any type of firearm and teach young kids, that’s totally unacceptable,” said Rep. Jason Lowe, D-Oklahoma City.
The bill has been approved by the House and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
KOCO
