Rep. Ted Hill outlines bill to allow trained, armed school employees with POST-certified training; committee approves introduction

Representative Ted Hill (District 14, Eagle and Emmett) introduced RS 32,342, a proposal to allow certain school employees to carry concealed handguns on school property after completing POST-certified, scenario-based training and periodic qualifications.

"This bill will enhance current second amendment legislation passed 2 years ago," Hill said, describing a training standard that can range up to six days of POST (peace-officer standards and training) scenario-based instruction and a high round count that he said would include "1,500 rounds" of training at the high end. Hill said the training would be offered by POST-certified instructors and that the school board would determine whether to adopt the program and the level of training for its employees.

On equipment, Hill said the draft limits authorized firearms to handguns and specifies that the only authorized loaded ammunition for concealed handguns "shall be hollow point," a restriction he said came from police recommendations because "ball goes through walls and hollow point is not. Very specific to the target." He also said the draft provides for recurrent active-shooter refresher training coordinated with local law enforcement and requires twice-yearly range qualifications.

Multiple legislators asked questions about costs, liability and local control. Representative Green asked if POST training costs would fall to the individual or the district; Hill said individuals would likely pay and estimated the cost around "$500–600" and said POST had indicated it would try to offer discounts. Representative Boyle asked whether the training would be provided by POST itself; Hill said POST-certified instructors statewide would offer training as contractors.

On liability, Hill said individuals would be personally responsible for their actions while carrying a firearm, stating "every bullet has a lawyer hooked to it," and compared the responsibility to carrying in other public settings. Representative Kiehlis and others expressed concern about the tension between local school-board authority and the bill's protections; Hill said the bill is intended to impose statewide authorization so that some school boards could not categorically prohibit participation.

The draft also includes confidentiality provisions: the school board would maintain confidentiality of participating employees' names, a point several members said could limit any deterrent effect because the public would not know who was armed. Hill said the deterrent stems from general knowledge that some employees might be armed.

The committee voted to introduce RS 32,342; the transcript records a voice vote and the committee chair said "The motion is carried. It will be done." A full hearing was expected to bring more detailed questions and written fiscal notes.