Ohio House Passes School Safety Bill

Today the Ohio House of Representatives voted to pass legislation that would enhance the safety of children while at school. Sponsored by State Representative Anthony DeVitis (R-Green), House Bill 215 is known as the Law Officer Volunteers in Education (LOVE) Program.

The legislation allows current or retired law enforcement officers to volunteer in schools and patrol the premises in order to prevent or respond to a mass casualty event.

“We all share concerns about the safety of our kids when they go off to school. I believe House Bill 215 secures a major step toward providing increased safety in schools,” Rep. DeVitis said. “House Bill 215 is a bipartisan, common-sense piece of legislation that will provide greater peace of mind for Ohio’s families.”

Participation of officers in the LOVE Program would be on a volunteer basis only, with each participant undergoing a criminal records check every five years at the officer’s own expense. County sheriffs will maintain a list of current and retired officers who qualify.

House Bill 215 also provides the officers with a nonrefundable personal income tax credit of $2 for each hour that they volunteer, not to exceed $500 in a year.

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