HB404 Summary

• Authorizes Franklin County public K-12 school principals to request volunteers to form emergency security forces when additional safety measures are deemed necessary.

• Volunteer emergency security forces shall consist of current school employees, retired school employees, and school district residents, subject to approval by the Franklin County Sheriff.

• Sheriff and school administrators shall jointly develop a detailed crisis plan specifying weapons storage, carrying procedures, use circumstances, and all weapons and equipment must be approved by the sheriff.

• Volunteer emergency security force members are classified as reserve deputy sheriffs without arrest powers, receive sheriff-mandated training, and operate under the sheriff's supervision and direction.

• Emergency security force members receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for actual necessary expenses; local boards of education fund training, equipment, and weapons purchases and oversee program implementation.