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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ch. SL 2025-812025-07-29

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill allows authorized employees and volunteers at nonpublic schools to carry firearms or stun guns on school property if they meet specific training and authorization requirements. It also permits concealed handgun carry in buildings that are both schools and places of religious worship during worship services. Additionally, the bill increases criminal penalties for assaults and threats against government officers and election workers, requires judges to set pretrial release conditions for such cases, and provides additional protections for relocated law enforcement shooting ranges.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill enhances school safety by allowing trained staff to respond quickly to threats at private schools, similar to resource officer programs.
• •They contend that permitting concealed carry in church-affiliated school buildings respects religious property rights and self-defense.
• •Proponents also say increasing penalties for threats against public officials provides necessary protection for those serving in government, and that protections for relocated shooting ranges recognize law enforcement training needs without imposing excessive new regulations.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents worry that allowing firearms in schools—even among trained staff—creates risks of accidents, theft, or misuse, and question whether armed staff adequately replace professional security.
• •They express concern that permitting guns during religious services on school property blurs the separation of school and worship spaces and could endanger children.
• •Critics also argue that significantly increased criminal penalties for threats may chill free speech rights, and contend that lenient restrictions on relocated shooting ranges could allow noise pollution that affects neighboring residents.