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Bill

S 5301

Relates to permitting the appointment of school resource officers to private elementary and secondary schools

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Ashby

Bill S 5301 allows private elementary and secondary schools to appoint school resource officers, enhancing safety and security for students and staff.

REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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Bill Summary · S 5301

Summary of Bill S 5301

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 5301
  • Title: Relates to permitting the appointment of school resource officers to private elementary and secondary schools
  • Status: Referred to Local Government
  • Introduced: February 20, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 5301 aims to enhance safety and security in private elementary and secondary schools by allowing these institutions to appoint school resource officers (SROs). The intent is to provide a structured approach to ensuring student safety, addressing potential threats, and fostering a secure learning environment.

Key Provisions

  • Appointment of School Resource Officers: The bill specifically permits private elementary and secondary schools to appoint SROs. This provision is significant as it aligns the safety measures available to private schools with those already accessible to public schools.
  • Role of SROs: While the bill does not detail the specific duties of SROs, it is generally understood that these officers will be responsible for maintaining safety, preventing crime, and serving as a resource for students and staff.
  • Funding and Implementation: The bill does not specify funding mechanisms or requirements for the implementation of SRO programs in private schools, which may lead to varying levels of adoption based on individual school resources.

Affected Parties

  • Private Schools: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are private elementary and secondary schools, which will gain the authority to enhance their security measures through the appointment of SROs.
  • Students and Staff: The presence of SROs is intended to create a safer environment for students and staff, potentially reducing incidents of violence and crime within school premises.
  • Local Governments: Local government entities may be involved in the oversight and regulation of SRO appointments, depending on how the bill is implemented.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of the introduction date, the bill has been referred to the Local Government committee for further consideration.
  • Legislative History: This bill follows several related bills from prior sessions (S 8718, S 1354, S 3750, S 4869), indicating ongoing legislative interest in the topic of school safety and resource officers.

Conclusion

Bill S 5301 represents a legislative effort to bolster safety in private educational institutions by allowing the appointment of school resource officers. Its successful passage could lead to enhanced security measures in private schools, aligning them more closely with public school safety protocols. The bill is currently under review by the Local Government committee, and its future will depend on further legislative action and discussions.

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

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