HB 1631 / SB 1708

Simply removes any current ambiguity in the law as to whether or not private schools can create their own policy to carry handguns by addressing the definition of a “private school.”

The bill will ensure that a private school defined as “a school accredited by, or a member of, an organization or association approved by the state board of education as an organization accrediting or setting academic requirements in schools, or that has been approved by the state, or is in the future approved by the commissioner in accordance with rules promulgated by the state board of education,” may create a policy allowing handguns to be carried on campus.

We believe that it is the right of every individual to protect themselves. Further, we also believe that when the safety of children are in the hands of a school or any authority figure, they have a responsibility to protect those children.

Solving our school violence problem is simple. We must rid ourselves of “gun-free zones” and we must allow law-abiding citizens to arm themselves for self-defense and the defense of others. This bill takes a step in the right direction by declaring that “private schools” indeed have this right.