A Tennessee legislator Reintroduce a bill for the 2025 legislative session that looks to fill school resource officer shortages by allowing the hiring of veterans and retired law enforcement personnel.
Republican Representative Tim Rudd has reintroduced the bill for the 2025 legislative session. It passed the House during the last legislative session, but failed to reach the Senate.
The bill will allow Public charter schools To employ honorably discharged veterans and retired law enforcement personnel to work as school personnel.
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Seen at the Tennessee State Capitol, January 8, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Applicants must complete 40 hours of basic training in school policy, pass a test to be eligible to purchase and carry a handgun, obtain a written license to carry or possess a firearm on school grounds, undergo a psychological evaluation, and pass an FBI criminal history check.
“They still have to go to training. The reason is trying to find more resource officers in these rural areas, especially so we can protect our kids,” Rudd told WTVC.
“This certainly will not solve the shortage problem, but it will help,” he added. “Ultimately, it will be up to the school system whether they want to use them, and what guidelines and rules they put in place.”
Drone view of the Tennessee State Capitol. (Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Rudd says the proposal will help veterans and Retired law enforcement officersBut the main priority is protecting children.
A man who served in the Navy for more than 20 years said the action could be an opportunity for veterans to find renewed purpose and be a role model for students.
“They have all the skills that would be necessary to bring into a school environment as a resource resource,” Mickey McCamish told WTVC.
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The Tennessee State Capitol is seen on January 22, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, file)
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The transition from military to civilian life may be difficult for some, but McCamish says these individuals will be ideal role models for students.
“There could be no better fit than to have veterans as a role model for students in a resource officer position or just to be a part of school life,” he said.
