Oklahoma lawmaker wants armed officers in private schools
TULSA, Okla. — An Oklahoma lawmaker wants to slash the costs of obtaining and renewing handgun permits, place armed police officers in private schools and allow the governor and top elected officials to carry guns.
Republican state Sen. Josh Brecheen has drafted four bills that would expand gun rights in the state. But some lawmakers say there are far more pressing issues when the Legislature meets on Feb. 6, including how to manage a massive budget shortfall estimated to exceed $300 million.
Brecheen said his proposals are necessary to counter what he believes is a constant threat of terrorism carried out by the Islamic State and other groups. Brecheen also said having armed officers in private schools could deter would-be mass shooters.
Under Brecheen’s bill, private schools would be allowed to enter into the same agreements with local law agencies as public schools already do to provide security for students and faculty. It would be the private school’s responsibility to either pay for on-campus officers itself or partner with an agency to help shoulder the costs.