AUSTIN, TX — A new bill filed in the Texas Senate, SB 83, seeks to expand concealed carry rights for school employees, allowing licensed handgun carriers to carry their firearms on school grounds without additional district-imposed restrictions.
What the Bill Proposes
Senate Bill 83, filed by Senator Bob Hall of Canton, would prevent public and charter schools from creating rules that prohibit licensed employees from carrying concealed handguns while performing their job duties on school premises. Under current Texas law, schools can establish their own policies regarding armed staff, including programs such as the “Guardian Program” and “School Marshal Program,” which require additional training beyond the standard License to Carry (LTC) requirements.
If passed, SB 83 would eliminate the need for additional approval from school boards, allowing any school employee with an LTC to carry while at work. The bill also ensures legal immunity for schools and school staff in relation to incidents involving legally carried firearms unless “capricious or arbitrary” actions lead to harm.
Reactions and Concerns
Supporters of the bill, like Senator Hall, argue that it strengthens Second Amendment rights and improves school safety by increasing the number of armed responders in the event of an attack.
“It’s unfortunate we are having to pass a law to give a right God gave us in the first place,” Hall said, emphasizing that educators should have the ability to protect themselves and their students.
However, some school officials believe additional training should be required. Mineola ISD Superintendent Cody Mize, whose district already participates in the Guardian Program, highlighted the rigorous preparation his armed staff undergo.
“Crowded building, kids everywhere—it’s a crazy situation. We make sure our folks are really well-trained if they’re going to carry a firearm,” Mize said. “We are going through about $10,000 in 9mm ammo as part of our program. Our staff is shooting every other month, as well as participating in classroom training on communication and response.”
Mize and others question whether simply holding an LTC, which requires significantly less training than the Guardian or Marshal programs, is sufficient for carrying in a school setting.
Should Teachers with an LTC Be Allowed to Carry, or Should More Training Be Required?
The debate over armed teachers in schools is not new, but SB 83 would simplify the process by removing local approval requirements. While this expands gun rights for teachers and staff, it raises questions about whether an LTC alone provides enough training to handle high-stress situations involving an active threat.
Texas currently requires applicants for an LTC to complete a four- to six-hour classroom course, pass a written test, and demonstrate basic shooting proficiency. In contrast, the Guardian and School Marshal programs require additional hands-on training, scenario-based drills, and recurring qualification tests.
Would allowing any licensed carrier to bring a firearm onto school property improve safety, or should those carrying in a school setting undergo additional specialized training? Let us know your thoughts.
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