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Bill

HF 621

A bill for an act relating to firearms on school property, and including effective date provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Samantha Fett and 2 co-sponsors

HF 621 would allow limited, district-authorized firearm carriage in school vehicles and certain driveways/parking areas, with permits or retiree qualifications and strict safeguard

Subcommittee recommends passage.
#firearms #schools
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 621

Summary of HF 621 (House File 621)

Overview

HF 621, introduced February 27, 2025, relates to firearms on school property and expands where and how certain individuals may carry or possess firearms in connection with school operations. The bill is currently in subcommittee, with a recommendation to pass. Primary sponsors are GEARHART, FETT, and WINDSCHITL.

  • Status: Subcommittee recommends passage
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Effective date: Upon enactment
  • Subject: Firearms, Schools

What the bill would do (Purpose and intent)

The bill seeks to narrow the current prohibition on firearms on school property by creating specific, limited exceptions that apply in certain school-transport and school-access contexts. It allows designated individuals to carry or possess firearms in limited situations, while maintaining safeguards intended to keep school grounds secure.

Key provisions and changes

1) Authorized firearms in school vehicles
- Under present administrative rules, the driver of a school vehicle transporting pupils cannot permit firearms, other weapons, or ammunition in the passenger compartment.
- HF 621 would authorize 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.

2) Carrying with a valid permit during school drop-off/pick-up and deliveries
- The bill permits a person (driver or passenger) who has a valid permit to carry weapons to go armed with, carry, or transport a concealed pistol or revolver on school grounds if:
- The person is dropping off or picking up a student, staff member, or other person with business at the school, or delivering/picking up at the school; and
- The concealed pistol or revolver remains in the vehicle, and the vehicle remains on the portion of the school grounds that includes driveways and parking areas.
- The vehicle must be locked when unattended.

3) Retired peace officers
- Retired peace officers may go armed on school grounds if they are retired in good standing, maintain certification, and, in the most recent 12-month period, have met the firearm safety training standards established by the relevant state agency or the political subdivision where they formerly served.

4) Scope and limitations
- The provisions apply only to the specified contexts (vehicles and driveways/parking areas) rather than buildings or classroom settings.
- The current prohibition on carrying firearms on school grounds remains in effect outside the authorized scenarios.

Who is affected

  • School districts and nonpublic schools: They would determine whether to authorize or direct individuals to carry/possess firearms in school vehicles.
  • Drivers and passengers of school vehicles: Eligible to carry with a valid permit under the conditions described.
  • Individuals with a valid permit to carry firearms who are delivering to or picking up at a school.
  • Retired peace officers meeting qualification requirements: Eligible to go armed on school grounds under the described criteria.
  • General school community: The policy and practice around weapons on school property would be impacted by district authorization decisions.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill was referred to the Education committee upon introduction.
  • Subcommittee actions: 02/27/2025 introduction; 03/03/2025 subcommittee meeting; 03/03/2025 subcommittee members listed (Stone, Fett, Levin); 03/05/2025 subcommittee recommended passage.
  • If enacted, the provisions take effect upon enactment.

Practical considerations

  • Policy balance: The bill creates specific exceptions to an overall prohibition, emphasizing authorized districts’ discretion and safety safeguards (vehicle containment, locking unattended vehicles, and licensed permit holders).
  • Training and standards: Retired officers must meet firearm safety training standards set by the applicable state agency or subdivision.
  • Operational guidance: Districts adopting the provision would need to establish procedures for authorization, supervision, and enforcement within the constraints of the law and school safety goals.

Sponsors: GEARHART (primary), FETT (primary), WINDSCHITL (primary).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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