The bill amends the Code of West Virginia to create a regulatory framework for the employment of school security 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. The bill allows school security officers to carry firearms under specific conditions, such as having prior law enforcement experience and passing background checks, while also defining their detention powers to ensure they can only detain individuals for a reasonable period and under certain circumstances. Additionally, schools employing security officers are required to maintain liability insurance and share data with the Division of Protective Services.

Moreover, the legislation addresses the possession of firearms and deadly weapons in educational settings and court premises, making it unlawful to possess such weapons in school buses and primary and secondary educational facilities, with exceptions for law enforcement and authorized individuals. The bill introduces provisions for the possession of firearms in private primary and secondary schools if a written policy is adopted and creates an exemption for certified school security officers. It also outlines penalties for violations, including felony charges for unlawful possession, and mandates reporting of violations by school principals to the State Superintendent and local law enforcement. Overall, the bill aims to enhance safety in schools while balancing the rights of individuals to carry firearms.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-2D-3, 61-7-11a, 18-5-52