HB116 Summary

• School principals in Franklin County public K-12 schools may request volunteers to form emergency security forces upon determining that student safety is inadequate, with volunteers consisting of current employees, retired employees, and district residents.

• The Sheriff of Franklin County or local chief of police must review volunteer lists, determine suitability, and may initiate a program if sufficient volunteers are identified; the sheriff or chief of police prepares detailed crisis plans including weapons storage and use specifications.

• Volunteer emergency security force members are classified as reserve deputy sheriffs or reserve police officers serving at the pleasure of the sheriff or chief of police, without arrest power, and must receive necessary training and supervision.

• Emergency security force members receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses or receive salary supplements from the local board of education; training and equipment expenses are administered and paid by the local board of education.

• The state shall indemnify and hold harmless emergency security force members, board of education members, superintendents, state board members, sheriffs, police chiefs, the county, and municipalities against settlements or judgments arising from actions within the scope of service, provided the actions did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct.