Controversial Bill Proposed for School Safety in South Carolina

News Summary

As South Carolina approaches a Senate session, a pre-filed bill S. 115 aims to empower school boards to designate existing employees as armed ‘school guardians.’ This proposal responds to parental safety concerns and seeks to address the challenges of maintaining law enforcement presence in schools. While some parents support the initiative, others express skepticism about the selection process and advocate for alternative safety measures. The bill requires comprehensive guidelines for guardians and ensures their identities remain confidential, stirring a statewide debate on school safety measures.

Exciting and Controversial Proposal for School Safety in South Carolina

As the New Year rolls in, South Carolina is buzzing with discussions about school safety. A notable pre-filed bill called S. 115 is set to be reviewed when the Senate reconvenes on January 14. This bill aims to allow school boards the option to designate current employees as armed “school guardians”. A move aimed at addressing safety concerns voiced by parents and various stakeholders.

The Proposal Details

If approved, this piece of legislation would empower public schools across the state to decide whether they want to have staff members armed and ready to protect against possible threats from active assailants. But don’t worry; this wouldn’t just be a free-for-all situation. If the bill passes, each school board would first hold a public hearing before implementing the program for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.

Reasons Behind the Bill

Senator Brian Adams, who filed the bill, has made it clear that the idea comes in response to pressing safety concerns from parents, as well as consultations with law enforcement agencies facing challenges in maintaining adequate personnel levels in schools. Many schools currently struggle to ensure that law enforcement officers are present on-site, and this bill attempts to tackle that issue head-on.

Who Can Be a School Guardian?

The proposed bill lays out specific guidelines for who can serve as a school guardian. For starters, designated employees must hold a valid concealed weapons permit and will be required to store their firearms in safes that are provided by the school. Additionally, school boards will curate a list of acceptable firearms for the program.

However, it’s not just about having a gun. To qualify, applicants for the guardian role would need to have no history of violence, mental health issues, or substance abuse. On top of that, they must go through specialized training organized by the Criminal Justice Academy, as mandated by the Law Enforcement Training Council.

Mixed Reactions from Parents

Another parent initially felt relieved that the bill could provide some level of protection, but later shared disappointment, arguing instead for the need for metal detectors or dedicated security personnel in schools, rather than arming existing staff.

Responsibilities and Protections for Guardians

For those who become armed school guardians, the role comes with a host of added responsibilities—including safeguarding the premises and acting as the first line of defense in emergencies. Interestingly, under the bill’s provisions, these guardians would not face legal repercussions for failing to act during an active threat. It’s designed to be a voluntary role, which means that not all school staff would be required to participate.

Funding and Confidentiality

In terms of funding, the salary for school guardians would be covered by the school itself, rather than relying on state funds, which is an important point to note. Additionally, to protect the privacy of those involved, the identities of guardians will be kept confidential and discussed in closed sessions.