The Senate Education Committee approved House Bill 2336, by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, would allow a local board of education to adopt a policy to authorize the carrying of a handgun onto school property by school personnel who hold a valid reserve peace officer certification or who possess a valid handgun license.

“Schools can decide whether to use this protection or not,” Bullard said. “It’s a decision best left to local schools and law enforcement. This simply gives local schools the option of offering greater protection for their students – an option that could well save lives.”

Bullard noted that 24 other states have Teacher Carry including three neighboring states. Oklahoma private schools have had the policy in place effectively for six years.