The Senate passed a bill Monday morning that would establish the West Virginia Guardian Program.
Senate Bill 282 would allow a county school board to engage specific professionals as independent contractors to provide public safety and security on school grounds. These qualified professionals include honorably discharged veterans, retired sheriff’s deputies and state troopers as well as certain retired federal law enforcement officers.
Under the bill, the qualified individual must have a valid concealed carry permit to carry on campus. The legislation stipulates that they would not be considered law enforcement and could not make arrests.
The bill requires that any contractor would be required to take the Law Enforcement Professional Standards Program at the State Police Academy and undergo screenings, including a physical, vision and psychiatric examination, as well as a pre-employment drug screen. The individual applicant must cover the training and screening expenses.
County board participation is voluntary and subject to the availability of county funds. Any county board that opts to participate would cover the cost of the contractor’s salary.
The bill passed on a 32-0 vote with two absent. It now heads to the House of Delegates for consideration.
A list of the 12 bills that passed the Senate today can be found here, under third reading.
The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow, Jan. 31, at 11 a.m.
Afternoon Meetings:
Transportation and Infrastructure at 1 p.m. in 451M.
Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 208W.
Finance at 3 p.m. in 451M.
Morning meetings for 1/31:
Education at 9 a.m. in 451M
Government Organization at 9 a.m. in 208W
