Earlier this month, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 99 (HB 99), which allows teachers and other school personnel to carry firearms in school safety zones. HB 99 was previously passed by the Ohio House in November 2021 with a 56-34 vote and, earlier this month, by the Ohio Senate with a 23-9 vote.
Under HB 99, school districts choose whether to authorize armed school personnel in school safety zones. In other words, HB 99 provides school districts with the option to authorize armed school personnel but does not require school districts to do so. HB 99 requires school districts that choose to authorize armed school personnel to notify the public of this decision.
How are communities responding? Read more here.