SD Lawmakers Pass Bill On Arming School Teachers

The South Dakota Legislature has given final approval to a measure that would allow South Dakota school districts to arm teachers and other personnel to prevent attacks like December's grade-school shooting in Connecticut.

 

 

 

 

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - The South Dakota Legislature has given final approval to a measure that would allow South Dakota school districts to arm teachers and other personnel to prevent attacks like December's grade-school shooting in Connecticut.

The House of Representatives voted 40-19 to accept the Senate version of the bill, which will become law if signed by Gov. Dennis Daugaard.

The Senate added language to the measure saying a school board must decide in public whether to arm teachers and others.

School district residents also could refer a school board's decision to arm teachers to a public vote.

Supporters say rural schools far from law enforcement agencies might want to train and arm teachers or volunteers who are retired law officers.

Representatives of school boards and teachers oppose the bill.

 

AP

   

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