Relating to the authorized possession of firearms on school property, including for certain drivers of school vehicles, firearms locked in vehicles, and retired peace officers, and including effective date provisions

The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. This bill relates to the authorized possession of firearms on school property, including for certain drivers of school vehicles, firearms locked in vehicles, and retired peace officers. Under current administrative rules, the driver of a school vehicle transporting pupils shall not permit firearms or other weapons, nor ammunition, to be carried in the passenger compartment. The bill allows a school district or nonpublic school to authorize or direct a person to carry, transport, or possess a firearm, other weapon, or ammunition in a school vehicle. Current law generally prohibits a person from going armed with, carrying, or transporting a firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, on the grounds of a school. The bill authorizes a person, whether a driver or passenger and including a person authorized or directed pursuant to the bill, while the person is dropping off or picking up from a school a student, staff member, or other person having business at the school, or while the person is making a delivery or pickup at a school, who has in the person’s possession a valid permit to carry weapons to go armed with, carry, or transport a concealed pistol or revolver on school grounds if the concealed pistol or revolver remains in the vehicle and the vehicle remains on the portion of the grounds of the school that comprises its driveways and parking areas. The vehicle shall be locked when unattended. The bill also authorizes a retired peace officer to go armed with, carry, or transport a firearm on the grounds of a school if the retired peace officer retired in good standing, maintains certification, and, during the most recent 12-month period, has met the standards for qualifications in firearm safety training determined by the state agency or political subdivision that the individual formerly served. The bill takes effect upon enactment.