Washington Republicans Propose Voluntary Firearm Training For Teachers
Listen
Lawmakers in Washington state continue to look for ways to prevent mass shootings in schools. On Wednesday, Republicans in the state Senate proposed creating a voluntary training program for school staff on how to respond to an active shooter.
School districts could opt-in to the program that would include conflict de-escalation and firearm training. Districts could then allow administrators or teachers to conceal-carry.
Republican Sen. Phil Fortunado is the proposal’s prime sponsor.
“Do I like it? No,” he said. “Do I like the fact that we have to put guns or protect our children with guns? No. Do I like the fact people come in and shoot them up? That’s what we’re trying to protect against.”
Republicans also proposed that every school employ at least one mental health counselor for students.
Meanwhile, Democrats in the Senate proposed enhancing background checks on military-style weapon purchases. They also suggested creating a way for students to report threats anonymously.
But lawmakers only have until the scheduled end of the legislative session next Thursday to pass any bills to the Governor’s desk.
Related Stories:
West Richland double-murder, kidnapping suspect shot at police, officials say
FBI, county and police officials wait for the all-clear to collect evidence at the home of Elias Huizar, 39, where his 17-year-old girlfriend, Angelica Santos, was found dead. (Credit: Anna
Gov. Inslee leans into housing and homelessness in 2023 State of the State address
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee emphasized housing construction and homelessness response during his 2023 State of the State address on Tuesday. The issue is a bipartisan priority for the state Legislature, but approaches differ among the lawmakers who convened in Olympia this week.
New Gun Restrictions Take Effect July 1 In Washington
Two new laws aimed at reducing mass shootings and cracking down on the proliferation of so-called “ghost guns” go into effect July 1 in Washington. Majority Democrats in the state Legislature passed the new restrictions earlier this year.
