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HB 2187

Permit teachers in K-12 schools be authorized to carry concealed firearms as a designated school protection officer

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Brooks and 9 co-sponsors

House Bill 2187 allows designated K-12 teachers and staff in West Virginia to carry concealed firearms, aiming to enhance school safety and emergency response.

To House Judiciary
#crime #education(k12)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2187

Summary of House Bill 2187

Bill Number: HB 2187
Title: Permit teachers in K-12 schools to carry concealed firearms as designated school protection officers
Status: To House Judiciary
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Crime, Education (K-12)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2187 aims to enhance the safety and security of K-12 educational environments in West Virginia by allowing designated teachers, administrators, and support personnel to carry concealed firearms on school premises. The bill seeks to establish a framework for the designation of these individuals as School Protection Officers (SPOs), thereby enabling them to respond to potential threats within educational facilities.

Key Provisions

  1. Designation of School Protection Officers (SPOs):

    • Teachers, administrators, or support personnel can be designated as SPOs by their school district.
    • The designation is voluntary and requires written application to the county superintendent.

  2. Eligibility Requirements:

    • Applicants must possess a valid concealed carry permit and complete a School Protection Officer Training Program (SPOTP).
    • The training curriculum will be developed by the Justice and Community Services section within the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security.

  3. Carrying Firearms:

    • SPOs will be authorized to carry concealed firearms, pepper spray, or stun guns on school property.
    • SPOs must maintain personal control over any firearm or device while on school grounds.

  4. Accountability and Oversight:

    • School districts must notify the West Virginia Justice and Community Services section within 30 days of designating an SPO.
    • Violations of the provisions may result in immediate removal from the classroom and potential termination of employment.

  5. Funding and Training:

    • The bill includes provisions for funding the training and certification of SPOs.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • The bill primarily impacts K-12 educational staff who choose to apply for SPO designation.
    • It also affects students, parents, and the broader school community by potentially altering the security dynamics within schools.

  • Safety Assurance:

    • The legislation is intended to provide a sense of safety for students and staff by allowing trained personnel to respond to emergencies.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on February 12, 2025, and has since been referred to the Committee on Education and then to the Judiciary.
  • A committee substitute was passed on March 7, 2025, before being sent to the House Judiciary for further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 2187 represents a significant shift in school safety policy in West Virginia, allowing for the arming of designated school personnel. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be essential to monitor discussions around its implications for school safety, community response, and the training requirements for those designated as School Protection Officers.

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

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