Oklahoma House Bill Approved To Allow Teachers To Be Armed

Public school districts across Oklahoma could decide whether to allow armed teachers in classrooms under a bill approved in the Oklahoma House.

The Special Reserve School Resource Officer Act passed by the House late Tuesday on a 68-23 vote. It would give districts the option of paying for teachers to receive a minimum of 120 hours of specialized training in order to carry a firearm into the school.

The bill, filed in response to recent school shootings, now heads to the Senate.

The measure directs the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training to develop a specialized training course for volunteer teachers.

The bill is opposed by many teachers and education officials, who have raised safety and liability concerns over bringing firearms into schools.