DES MOINES, Iowa — Teachers in Iowa could soon be allowed to carry firearms in schools if a new bill introduced on Wednesday by House Republicans is passed.
HSB 675 would allow anyone to obtain a professional permit to carry weapons if they’re an employee of a school district, private school, or college that hasn’t opted out of the professional permitting of employees. In order to be issued a permit the employee must be eligible to carry a weapon, must complete one-time legal training, and must complete a firearm safety training course. Armed staff would also have to complete annual live scenario training and quarterly firearm training. School employees who are issued the permit would be entitled to qualified immunity from criminal or civil liability.
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Last year the Cherokee School District and Spirit Lake School District passed policies that would allow certified school staff members to carry firearms. Both districts eventually ended the policies after struggling to find an insurance company that would provide a full policy with armed school staff.