The bill amends West Virginia law to create a structured framework for the employment and certification of school safety officers by local school boards, public charter schools, and private or religious schools. It establishes a School Safety Unit within the Division of Protective Services, which will set training standards and certification requirements for these officers, who are permitted to carry firearms on school grounds under specific conditions, including background checks and certification. The bill also delineates the limitations of a school safety officer's authority, such as their ability to detain individuals without arresting them and the requirement to notify law enforcement in case of disturbances. Additionally, it allows for the contracting of independent security personnel, known as West Virginia guardians, who must meet certain qualifications, including obtaining a permit from the county sheriff.

Moreover, the legislation outlines new regulations regarding the responsibilities of school safety officers, including mandatory insurance coverage for liability and personal injury, as well as annual training with local county sheriffs. It introduces the West Virginia Guardian Program, allowing county boards to contract retired law enforcement officers for security services in schools, emphasizing that these Guardians are not considered law enforcement and do not have arrest authority. The bill also addresses firearm possession laws, permitting individuals aged 21 and older with a valid concealed handgun permit to possess a concealed handgun in a motor vehicle on school property under specific conditions. It establishes penalties for violations of firearm possession laws and introduces provisions for the revocation of a person's driver's license upon conviction of such violations, while also imposing penalties on parents or guardians who fail to report a minor's violations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-2D-3, 61-7-11a, 18-5-52
Committee Substitute: 15-2D-3, 61-7-11a, 18-5-52
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 15-2D-3, 61-7-11a, 18-5-52, 18-5-53
Engrossed Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 15-2D-3, 61-7-11a, 18-5-52, 18-5-53
Enrolled Version: 15-2D-3, 61-7-11a, 18-5-52, 18-5-53, 18-5-54