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 mandates the director of the Division of Protective Services to establish standards for these officers, including training and certification requirements, and permits them to carry firearms on school grounds under specific conditions. The bill outlines necessary qualifications for school safety officers, such as prior law enforcement experience and successful background checks, while also detailing limitations on their detention powers. Additionally, it requires schools to maintain insurance coverage for liability and property loss.

The legislation also introduces the West Virginia Guardian Program, allowing county boards to contract with retired law enforcement officers to provide security services in schools, with specific qualifications and training requirements. It emphasizes that participation in these programs is voluntary and does not create an employer-employee relationship. Furthermore, the bill revises existing laws regarding firearm possession in schools, allowing individuals aged 21 and older with a valid concealed handgun permit to possess a concealed handgun in a vehicle on school property under certain conditions. It establishes penalties for violations of firearm possession laws and outlines responsibilities for school principals in reporting such violations, while also introducing stricter penalties for unlawful firearm possession in court premises.

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