I'm thrilled to announce that legislation I introduced in May to allow off-duty and retired police officers to use a firearm to protect children at school has been included in legislation passed out of the House Judiciary Committee yesterday.
The legislation is endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, Laclede County Sheriffs Office's Sheriff David Millsap and Pulaski County Sheriff's Department's Sheriff Jimmy Bench.
Law enforcement’s ability to respond to emergencies in rural areas has always been a challenge, and this vulnerability has become more evident in the wake of recent shootings across America.
My bill would enhance local law enforcement’s reach by giving school boards the option to allow off-duty and retired officers to carry their firearms in schools. This proposal is a commonsense measure to protect our children and help law enforcement who are already stretched too thin. I’m glad to see it included in the legislative package the Judiciary Committee passed yesterday.
From the desk of Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler
