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Sen. David Gregory pitches 'Missouri Rangers' for schools; lawmakers probe bias training, background checks and liability
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Summary
Sen. David Gregory introduced SB905 to create a voluntary, enhanced training program for armed school protection personnel dubbed 'Missouri Rangers.' Committee members pressed on evidence, an $89,000 fiscal note, POST-run background checks, bias training and liability; a pro‑bill witness testified in support.
Sen. David Gregory (Senate District 15) introduced Senate Bill 905, proposing a voluntary "Missouri Rangers" program to certify and train armed school protection personnel to a heightened standard. Gregory described the program as a specialized licensing track modeled on federal standards and said it would be optional for schools to adopt.
"When it comes to protecting our schools, I want our kids having the absolute best options to protect those kids...from not just school shootings, but all kinds of threats," Gregory said, describing a course of rigorous physical and close-quarters training modeled in part on U.S. air marshal tactics. He said the program would be administered under POST (the state peace officer standards body) and would include extensive background checks, including FBI checks.
Committee members raised a range of concerns. Ranking Member Fuchs asked whether any data show such "ranger" programs reduce incidents and whether the bill's modest fiscal note might be better spent on statewide mental-health programs; Gregory said the fiscal note in the draft was $89,000 across the state, with incremental increases in later years, and argued that trained, on-site responders can sharply reduce response time in an active-shooter scenario. Representative Ruzsa asked explicitly about criminal-background checks; Gregory said POST would perform fingerprinting, criminal-history checks and FBI investigations.
Representative Price asked how the program would affect Black and Brown students and whether bias training and post-incident "aftercare" resources would be provided; Gregory said bias training is required and expressed support for mental-health services while noting the bill's goal is to provide an optional, low-cost protection alternative. Representative Thomas pressed how rangers differ from existing school resource officers and who would be liable if a hired ranger acted improperly; Gregory said the draft designates Missouri Rangers as employees of the hiring school, and the bill provides qualified immunity for their actions in specified circumstances. Representatives Hausman and Hinman offered support based on classroom-safety concerns.
In public testimony, Susan Myers, state director of Women for Gun Rights and a member of Armed Women of America, urged the committee to adopt the bill and to allow other school personnel to be eligible to serve under existing SPO language. No witnesses appeared in opposition. The committee included the hearing for SB905 in the record and adjourned.
The transcript records discussion but no committee vote on SB905 during this session.
