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Mississippi lawmakers pass bill to allow schools to arm workers

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2 years ago

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – 2023-03-28 13:23:00

(The Center Square) — The Mississippi Legislature approved a compromise this week on a bill that would allow trained school employees who possess enhanced concealed carry permits to carry firearms at their school.

The conference report for Senate Bill 2079 was approved on Monday by both chambers and the modified bill is now headed to Gov. Tate Reeves.

The changes made to the bill are minor, with a minimum of a $100 monthly stipend being paid by school districts for those participating in the program. Those stipends – which can be no more than $500 – cannot be funded by federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act grants to school districts.

SB2079 is known as the Mississippi School Protection Act and was authored by state Sen. Angela Hill, R-Picayune. It would allow school employees to carry their weapons at school and be known as school guardians. Each school district, charter school, community college or public university (which would require approval of the trustees for institutes of higher learning) would have an option for armed employees, who’d have to receive firearms, communications, deescalation and first aid training. Participants in the program would have to be recertified annually.

They’d also have to pass a background check and they’d be given immunity while they’re involved in the program.

If signed into law, the Department of Public Safety would be required to mandate rules for the training of these public school safety workers. The identities of the school of those participating in the School Guardian Program would be kept secret from the public.

The bill would go into effect on July 1, the first day of the new fiscal year, if Reeves signs it into law.

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News from the South - Georgia News Feed

University System of Georgia to ban DEI, commit to neutrality, teach Constitution | Georgia

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5 hours ago

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November 23, 2024

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Tate Miller | The Center Square contributor – 2024-11-23 11:41:00

SUMMARY: The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents has recommended policies promoting institutional neutrality, banning DEI tactics, and requiring education on America’s founding documents. USG institutions will avoid political or ideological tests, affirmations, or oaths in admissions, employment, or orientation. Employment decisions will focus on qualifications and abilities. Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, students will study key historical documents, including the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” The policies aim to strengthen academic communities, promote free thought, and ensure merit-based admissions and hiring.

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

More than $225 million allocated to support rural law enforcement | Texas

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7 hours ago

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November 23, 2024

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – 2024-11-23 10:40:00

SUMMARY: Texas has allocated over $225 million in grants to enhance law enforcement in rural areas, addressing salary and recruitment challenges. The Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program, established by SB 22 in 2023, aims to bridge funding gaps in under-resourced counties. In fiscal 2024, $125.7 million was awarded to 502 recipients, and $98.4 million in fiscal 2025 to 396 recipients. While the program has enabled significant salary increases and hiring, some sheriffs report that county officials are blocking funds for political reasons. Advocates suggest allowing direct applications from sheriffs for a more effective funding process.

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News from the South - Tennessee News Feed

Council recommends tax incentives for nuclear energy | Tennessee

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1 day ago

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November 22, 2024

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square – 2024-11-22 15:57:00

SUMMARY: The Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council has recommended the introduction of a new tax credit to attract nuclear energy investments and to include nuclear energy facilities in the Certified Green Energy Production Facilities tax break to enhance the state’s supply chain. Additionally, a dedicated jobs tax credit is proposed for companies investing in nuclear jobs. A three-year pilot program, the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Workforce Center, aims to improve workforce development in the sector. The report, announced by Gov. Bill Lee, outlines 19 recommendations focusing on cost management, supply chain growth, workforce training, regulatory efficiency, and coalition building to meet future energy demands.

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