Dallas Republican Rep. Jason Villalba got one of his signature bills out of committee on Wednesday – a proposal to put armed marshals in schools to help protect against violence.
Under the legislation, volunteer school marshals would be required to undergo extensive training and a mental health evaluation. The training for the position would include firearms proficiency, emergency situation training and active shooter training. Such preparation would require 80 hours of classroom and simulation time, which Villalba says is ten times the amount required for CHL licenses.
School marshals would be a new form of a licensed law enforcement officer. The person’s credentials would have to be renewed every two years. The identity of the marshals would be known only by the schools head administrator and local law enforcement officials. If the marshal works in a classroom or directly around children, the weapon would be locked away but within reach.