Dallas lawmaker’s bill seeks armed marshals in Texas schools

Dallas, TX, United States (4E) – A Dallas lawmaker has filed a bill allowing schools to designate, train and license employees as secret armed marshals, who will protect students against violence.

The Protection of Texas Children Act of Rep. Jason Villalba (R-Dallas) filed Wednesday was inspired by the shooting dead of 20 children and six adults at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut in December.

Under the bill, teachers, librarians, janitors or administrators can become licensed law enforcement officer at the option of school districts. The license, valid for 2 years, can be obtained after undergoing a mental health evaluation and at least 80 Like air marshals on planes, the school marshal’s identity will be unknown except only by school administrators and local police officials.

The bill requires the school marshal’s weapon to be within reach when inside classrooms or working near children.

Current regulations allow licensed school districts employees to carry handguns on campus.

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