House Advances School Safety Legislation

State Representatives Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) and Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) announced that today, the Ohio House of Representatives passed bipartisan school safety legislation that strengthens existing law and maintains local control for school districts when developing their school safety plan.

House Bill 8 would require local school boards to develop school safety protocols in consultation with local law enforcement, if the school board chooses to authorize an employee to carry a concealed weapon. Under current law, school boards may already authorize any individual to carry a weapon on school property. Under House Bill 8, if school boards choose to designate an employee to carry a weapon on school property, that individual will now be required to have a concealed carry permit and any additional training that a school district, in consultation with local law enforcement, deems necessary. School boards may not require an employee to carry a firearm as part of their work duties.

“While we cannot avert every tragedy, it is critical that our school have updated, comprehensive safety plans to protect our children,” Rep. Kunze said. “As a mother and former school employee, it’s important to me that many safety options are on the table and can be decided at the local level.”

House Bill 8 further promotes school safety by allowing off-duty law enforcement to carry their weapon on school property.

Rep. Roegner said, "HB 8 aims to improve school safety, while maintaining local control by strengthening existing law. We need to do everything we can to ensure the safety of our children."

The bill will now go to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.