SB255 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim MelsonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Education, school resource officers, qualifications further provided for, Sec. 16-1-44.1 am'd.

Summary

SB 255 would allow local boards of education to authorize a retired law enforcement officer to carry a firearm on duty as school security personnel if certain qualifications are met.

What This Bill Does

The bill lets a local board hire a retired law enforcement officer as school security personnel and, if qualified, authorize them to carry a firearm while on duty. Qualifications include at least 25 years of service and retirement in good standing, completed active shooter training, annual firearm requalification, and training in the proper use of a non-lethal weapon with that weapon carried on duty. It also clarifies that carrying a firearm does not grant arrest powers, and the Department of Education would issue implementing rules, including additional qualifications. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after it is enacted.

Who It Affects

• Local boards of education - may hire retired law enforcement officers as school security personnel or school resource officers and may authorize firearm carry on duty if the qualifications are met.
• Retired law enforcement officers - eligible to serve as school security personnel or SROs and carry a firearm on duty if they meet the specified qualifications (25+ years, good standing retirement, active shooter training, annual requalification, and non-lethal weapon training).

Key Provisions

• Allows local boards to employ retired law enforcement officers as school security personnel and to authorize firearm carry on duty for those personnel, under defined qualifications.
• Qualification requirements for carrying a firearm on duty: (a) retirement in good standing from a federal, state, or local agency with at least 25 years of experience; (b) completion of active shooter training approved by the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency; (c) annual firearm requalification as required by the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission; (d) training in the use of a non-lethal weapon and carrying that weapon on duty.
• Explicitly states that carrying a firearm does not confer arrest power on the individual.
• The State Department of Education must promulgate implementing rules, including additional qualifications for employment as school security personnel or SROs.
• Defines 'retired law enforcement officer' and 'school resource officer' in Section 16-1-44.1 and amends the section to reflect the new qualifications and carry provisions.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Education