WV HB2164

Local school boards, public charter schools, and private or religious schools may employ school safety officers who are former law enforcement officers with at least 10 years of experience, retired in good standing within the past 10 years, and certified by the Division of Protective Services.

School safety officers may carry firearms on school grounds if they meet Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) requirements, pass background checks, complete required training, and receive authorization from their employing school.

County boards may contract with "West Virginia Guardians"—retired state troopers, deputy sheriffs, municipal police, DNR officers, state fire marshals, or federal law enforcement officers—to provide armed security services after obtaining a $50 permit from the county sheriff.

Schools may also contract with licensed private security guard firms to provide school safety officer services, with employees meeting similar background check, training, and certification requirements.

School safety officers may detain individuals committing a breach of the peace but cannot arrest anyone; they must complete annual training with the local county sheriff's department and are covered under the employer's liability insurance.