Idaho Law Could Arm Bus Drivers

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Armed bus drivers and metal detectors could be part of beefed up security efforts at public schools under a bill making its way through the Senate. The Senate Education Committee introduced a measure requiring school districts to develop safety plans in coordination with the local sheriff.

The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Marv Hagedorn of Meridian was one of several weapons-related measures debated by lawmakers Monday. Hagedorn says the goal is to give districts flexibility to decide which security measures are right for local schools.

Arming teachers or administrators, adding security officers on school grounds or using metal detectors on busses are some of the options Hagedorn outlined. It would also create a state-wide threat assessment tool and require districts to provide crisis response training for students and employees.