The proposed bill aims to enhance school safety in West Virginia by establishing a framework for the employment and certification of school safety officers. It mandates the creation of a School Safety Unit by the director of the Division of Protective Services, which will set training standards and issue certifications for these officers. Local school boards, public charter schools, and private or religious schools are authorized to employ school safety officers who may carry firearms under specific conditions, such as prior law enforcement experience and successful completion of a background check. The bill also outlines the detention powers of school safety officers, allowing them to detain individuals committing breaches of the peace but prohibiting them from making arrests. Additionally, schools employing safety officers must maintain adequate insurance coverage, and a guardian program is established to allow retired law enforcement personnel to serve as independent contractors for school safety.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws regarding the revocation of a person's license to operate a motor vehicle following certain convictions, specifying the process for court clerks to forward judgment transcripts to the commissioner. It also introduces new unlawful acts related to firearms and deadly weapons in court premises, making it illegal for parents or guardians to fail to report a minor's imminent violation of firearm laws, with penalties including fines and jail time. The bill prohibits the possession of firearms in court premises, with exceptions for law enforcement and individuals exempted by court order, and establishes penalties for violations, including misdemeanor charges and felony classifications for more severe offenses.

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