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Rep. Galonski condemns committee passage of GOP legislation to arm teachers in schools

Says HB 99 will make our schools and communities less safe
November 10, 2021
Democratic Newsroom

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) issued a statement today following the House Criminal Justice committee passage of House Bill (HB) 99, Republican legislation that would allow teachers and staff to be armed in schools. All Democratic committee members voted against the extreme proposal. 

“The passage of HB 99 is a step in the wrong direction when it comes to protecting Ohio’s school-age children,” said Rep. Galonski. “Classrooms are the last place where we need more guns, especially in the hands of lesser-trained individuals. HB 99 won’t reduce gun violence and will only make our schools and communities less safe.”

Democratic lawmakers offered several amendments to HB 99 during committee Wednesday, including measures that would: 

·         Require schools to notify parents annually if teachers and school staff will be armed;

·         Require the Attorney General develop the training plan for these armed teachers and staff.

Republicans rejected both amendments. 

During committee hearings, Democrats expressed concern that HB 99 only requires 20 hours of training for armed teachers. In 2014, then-Attorney General Mike DeWine signed off on a recommendation for a model curriculum for such armed teachers and staff requiring no less than 152 hours of training for teachers and school staff who would go armed.

Police, teachers’ unions, civil rights groups and students all testified in opposition to HB 99. 

HB 99 now heads to the full House for consideration.