MS HB958

Local school boards and charter school governing boards may develop policies authorizing designated school employees to carry concealed firearms on school premises after approval by the State Board of Education and Department of Public Safety.

School employees authorized to carry concealed weapons must be licensed under Section 45-9-101 and successfully complete a firearms safety training course from a nationally recognized or Department of Public Safety-approved instructor.

School superintendents must identify and verify to the Department of Public Safety all district personnel permitted to carry concealed firearms and have discretion to determine financial obligations for training and permit costs.

Amends Section 37-11-29 to exclude school district employees authorized to carry concealed weapons from unlawful activity reporting requirements for possession of deadly weapons on school property.

The policy applies only to times of extreme safety crisis and counteracting criminal activity on school premises; does not apply to previously authorized personnel such as school resource officers and security guards.