STATEHOUSE (May 15, 2023) – For schools that allow teachers to carry a handgun for protection of students and staff, Indiana will offer voluntary, specialized training thanks to a new law authored State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour).
Under current law, local school boards can decide whether staff can carry firearms, and determine what training requirements are put in place. However, there is no state-standardized instruction offered to staff. Lucas said with this new law, the state will create and fund an optional, 40-hour course focused on firearm safety, education and training.
"Indiana schools can already allow their teachers to carry to protect themselves and their students, and this new law simply gives them the opportunity to provide voluntary, state-funded firearm instruction," Lucas said. "I want our schools to have every available option to boost security and be a deterrent to anyone looking to do harm."
Lucas said school boards can offer the training to teachers and staff, and the curriculum will cover firearm handling, storing and maintenance, marksmanship and scenario-based exercises, and emotional and psychological aspects of being in a highly stressful situation. Under the new law, the state will also fund counseling services for students, teachers, school staff and other employees in the event of a tragedy.
He said this new law, which he crafted after working with law enforcement and other public safety officials, builds on Indiana's past efforts to boost school safety. Since 2013, Hoosier schools have received more than $133 million in grants through the Secured Schools Safety Grant Program, which Lucas helped establish, to help schools pay for school resource officers, conducting threat assessments, purchase safety equipment, and support staff firearm training. Under current law, a school corporation is only entitled to one matching grant from the fund each year. However, Lucas' new law permits school corporations to receive an additional grant for firearms training or counseling.
In 2023, schools in Jackson, Bartholomew, Washington and Scott counties received over $709,000 in school safety grants to make security updates.
Visit in.gov/dhs for more information on the Secured School Safety Grant Program and click here to learn more about House Enrolled Act 1177, which takes effect July 1.
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State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
