DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed multiple bills into law on Friday, most notably legislation allowing Iowa's school staff to carry weapons on campus.
The Republican-backed bill was highly debated in both chambers of the Legislature for its ability to not only arm educators but provide them qualified immunity if they use "reasonable force" at their place of employment.
School districts have full choice in participation, and staff is allowed to choose whether or not to carry a firearm on school grounds.
If they choose to carry, they have to:
- Finish a one-time training session
- Complete firearms safety training
- Attend annual communication training
All of the trainings have to be approved by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
Participating staff are not required to:
- Pass a psychological evaluation or background check
- Lock their weapons away on school grounds
"A school employee issued a professional permit to carry by the Department of Public Safety who is up to date with Department of Public Safety-approved training, and the school district that employs the school employee, shall be entitled to qualified immunity from criminal or civil liability for all damages incurred pursuant to the application of reasonable force at the place of employment," the legislation reads.
Opponents of the law contended that school safety could be improved in other ways, like placing safety film on school windows, funding additional mental health support for students and implementing universal background checks.
"There are a lot of measures that we can take short of arming teachers and other non-law enforcement school personnel that will keep our schools safe and our kids safe and our teachers safe," said Sen. Janice Weiner, D-Johnson County.
But proponents believe having armed staff could save lives, often referencing the Jan. 4, 2024, Perry High School shooting that killed principal Dan Marburger and 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, injuring six others.
"Time and math do not lie, the first 30 seconds in these scenarios are extremely critical," said Rep. Phil Thompson, R-Boone County. "This bill does set a high standard for districts and staff that want to participate this, and go the extra mile to protect our kids."
This legislation would also require school districts with at least 8,000 students enrolled to employ a School Resource Officer, unless the district board votes to opt out.