The Indiana House has approved a bill that would allow teachers to receive optional firearms training

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According to the sponsor, the proposed bill is a common-sense measure that could assist schools in the event of an active shooter on their premises. This means that the individual responsible for sponsoring the bill contends that it is a practical and sensible solution that could be beneficial for schools in the event of an active shooter situation.The proposed legislation aims to provide an added layer of protection and increase safety measures for students and staff on school grounds.

Indiana lawmakers have recently given their approval for a bill that would enable teachers and other school personnel to undergo firearms training. The proposed legislation has sparked a considerable amount of debate among lawmakers, educators, and parents alike.

House Bill 1177 proposes that the state fund up to 40 hours of firearms training by a qualified instructor for teachers and staff members. However, this training is strictly voluntary, and the school board or charter school must approve it before implementation. This bill is also applicable to teachers at non-public schools.

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The legislation is sponsored by state Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, who considers it common-sense legislation that could benefit schools in the face of an active shooter threat. In crafting the bill, Lucas consulted with law enforcement and public safety consultants to ensure its practicality.

Lucas argues that drills and basic training could be the difference between life and death in an active shooter situation. He emphasizes that this legislation gives schools the option to enroll their teachers in a state-certified course tailored to help them respond effectively to an active shooter situation.

Over the last decade, the state has provided over $133 million in matching grants to school districts to improve their security measures. Schools in the south-central counties Lucas represents have been awarded around $710,000 in grant funding.

Grant money can be used by eligible schools and districts to cover the cost of firearms training, according to the recently passed House Bill 1177. The legislation stipulates that teachers or staff members who participate in the training cannot be subject to any suspension, investigation, disciplinary action, or criminal prosecution.

During the 40-hour training, educators and staff members will undergo at least 24 hours of basic marksmanship training and eight hours or more of “dynamic gun drills” that involve shooting in high-stress and highly populated scenarios.

The bill, which passed with a 71-24 vote, now moves to the Senate for consideration. State Representative Jim Lucas, who sponsored the bill, claimed that it is a common-sense measure that could assist schools in an active shooter situation. Over the past decade, more than $133 million in matching grants has been awarded to school districts in Indiana to enhance their security. The south-central counties Lucas represents have received approximately $710,000 in grant funding.