Staff Reports
INDIANAPOLIS — The House of Representatives on Monday voted to support a bill by state Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, that would offer handgun training to teachers who are allowed by their school boards to carry them on school grounds.
House Bill 1253, which passed 72-25 on third reading, now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Under current law, Indiana schools have the authority to allow specific teachers or administrators to legally carry a firearm on school property. This legislation would allow school districts to apply for a Secured School Safety Grant to train teachers and school staff who carry.
“People have a constitutional right to defend themselves when placed in threatening situations,” Lucas said. “This legislation would ensure our educators are properly trained if ever faced with an active shooter situation. The training could provide added protection for Hoosier teachers and students.”
Lucas said the program would consist of more than 40 hours of specialized firearms safety training covering topics like general firearm safety, possible legal and psychological consequences of use of force, and tactical emergency medical instruction.
According to Lucas, it can take emergency response teams more than 10 minutes to arrive on the scene of an active shooter situation. He said this legislation is particularly helpful for rural school districts that could be left vulnerable while waiting for emergency responders.
The legislation would make public, charter and private schools eligible to apply for firearm training through the Secured School Safety Grant.
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Visit iga.in.gov for more information about pending legislation at the Statehouse.
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