HB 435

Under existing law, law enforcement officers and certain persons issued a license to carry a concealed weapon are permitted to carry a deadly weapon, or firearm, on K-12 school property

This bill would authorize persons employed as administrative personnel or teachers, with certain qualifications, to carry a pistol while on school property

This bill would also provide for communication with local law enforcement and civil immunity

Relating to public K-12 education; to authorize persons employed as administrative personnel or teachers to carry a pistol while on school property; to require those employees to satisfy certain qualifications before being authorized; to provide for communication with local law enforcement; and to provide for civil immunity.

Section 1

(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (1) PISTOL. Any firearm with a barrel less than 12 inches in length. (2) SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR. A local superintendent of education or the principal or vice principal of a public K-12 school. (3) TEACHER. A certificated person who provides instruction for students in a public K-12 school. (b) Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding, any person employed as a school administrator or a teacher may carry a pistol while on school property if he or she satisfies all of the following qualifications: (1) Possesses a valid pistol permit issued pursuant to Section 13A-11-75, Code of Alabama 1975. (2) Has successfully completed a 40-hour course in basic school policing in a program approved by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission. The training shall include, but not be limited to, instruction in crisis management, active shooter scenarios, and hostile situations. (3) Annually completes and passes the firearm requalification required of law enforcement officers by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission. (4) Certifies to the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, that he or she has never been diagnosed as having, or undergone treatment for, a mental illness or psychotic condition. (c) The cost of the pistol and ammunition shall be at the expense of the person seeking authorization and not the employing local board of education or school. (d) For the safety of law enforcement officers, other first responders, school faculty and staff, and the person carrying the pistol pursuant to this section, the administrative head of each public school shall compile a list of each person qualified and authorized to carry a pistol on the property of the public school and transmit the list to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The list shall be confidential, conspicuously marked as confidential, and not further disclosed or made available for public inspection. (e) Any school administrator or teacher who carries and uses a pistol on school property in compliance with this act is immune from civil liability in accordance with Section 36-1-12, Code of Alabama 1975. (f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the rights of any citizen to lawfully possess or carry a pistol or other firearm on school property pursuant to state or federal law.

Section 2

This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.