But then there’s the world as it exists. And in this world, schools need protection from those who see them as soft targets for their evil acts.
In Utah, House Bill 119 is a direct response to the reality that these places where children go to learn are increasingly the scenes of random violence. Sponsored by Rep. Tim Jimenez (R) and passed by both chambers, the legislation now moves on to Gov. Spencer Cox’s (R) desk for his signature.
If that happens, the bill will take effect on May 1.
HB 119 would establish a teacher-protector program to incentivize educators “to responsibly secure or carry a firearm on school grounds by providing reimbursements and liability protection.”
These educators would submit to annual training. Existing law permits the practice but does not pay for training and liability assurances.
A second important piece of school safety legislation was passed by lawmakers and is headed to Cox. HB 84 “would allow school employees, other than teachers and principals, to volunteer as armed guards.”
These personnel would either work with school resource officers or in their place if there are none available.
Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox (R), this guardian program involves “training at a firearms range with instruction regarding firearms fundamentals, marksmanship, the demonstration and explanation of the difference between sight picture, sight alignment, and trigger control, and a recognized pistol course.”
One of those who spoke in favor of enhancing school protection was Max Schachter. His teenage son, Alex, died in the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman High School in Parkland, Florida.
He explained to lawmakers that “guardians are basically force multipliers. An SRO cannot be everywhere at all times. Around the country in some of our rural communities, law enforcement could be 10 or 20 minutes away.”
