The proposed "School Marshal Act" establishes a framework for the employment and training of school marshals within New Mexico public schools. It defines a school marshal as a retired or former law enforcement officer who has been certified and commissioned for at least three years and left their position in good standing. The act mandates that school marshals must undergo specific training developed by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Standards and Training Council, which includes firearms training and crisis intervention. Additionally, school marshals are permitted to carry concealed weapons on school premises, contingent upon approval from the local school board and the public school insurance authority.

The act also outlines the responsibilities of local school boards in implementing the school marshal program, including ensuring that marshals meet the necessary qualifications and developing policies regarding the possession and storage of firearms on school property. Furthermore, it amends existing laws to clarify the definitions of school security personnel and the conditions under which they may carry firearms. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes provisions for the notification of law enforcement agencies regarding the employment of school marshals.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 22-10A-40, 30-7-2.1