A bill authorizing local school boards to adopt policies allowing authorized personnel to carry guns on campus passed the Oklahoma House .

House Bill 2336 would allow districts to authorize certain personnel to carry a handgun on school property, as long as the personnel holds a valid reserve peace officer certification or possesses a valid handgun license.

The bill’s author, Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, said some districts struggle to find personnel willing to undergo the required private security guard training.

The legislation would allow districts to work with law enforcement on alternative instruction.

“Having someone onsite who can respond to a potentially dangerous situation is critical,” Roberts said. “This legislation is especially important in our rural areas, where law enforcement is sometimes half an hour away when they receive a call. I was glad to work with county sheriffs on this bill and I’m grateful for their leadership and expertise in this area.”

HB2336 passed the House 72-25 and is now eligible to be heard by the Senate.