Utah lawmakers pass two school security bills
Feb 29, 2024, 9:00 AM
The Utah State Capitol is pictured in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Kira Hoffelmeyer/ KSL NewsRadio)
(Kira Hoffelmeyer/ KSL NewsRadio)
Tune in to Dave & Dujanovic!
SALT LAKE CITY— The Utah Legislature passed two school security bills.
One deals with volunteer guards and other security measures in schools. The other deals with concealed carry incentives for teachers.
The first of the school security bills, HB 84, sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox (R-Ogden), would allow school employees, other than teachers and principals, to volunteer as armed guards. The employee distinction is much different from the bill’s earlier version.
Those guards could work either in place of or alongside school resources officers.
The bill would also require schools around the state to make security upgrades. For example, they would be required to install security cameras.
The second bill, HB 119, sponsored by Rep. Tim Jimenez (R-Tooele) would incentivize teachers to concealed carry in school.
The bill previously had language indicating it would also provide legal protection for teachers. However, that language is no longer in the amended version of the bill that cleared the full legislature.
The bill is focused on providing training for teachers who want to concealed carry.
Both bills are on their way to Gov. Spencer Cox’s desk.
Related:
