Idaho Lawmakers Fail to Amend School Safety Bill

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Senators declined to amend a bill aimed at making Idaho schools safer, voting against adding teachers and school superintendents to the list of those responsible for crafting new security plans. Under the measure from GOP Sen. Marv Hagedorn, it would be up to elected county sheriffs and school trustees to create the plans, which could eventually include allowing teachers and bus drivers to carry firearms.

On Monday, Democratic Sen. Branden Durst of Boise said it "seems bizarre" to exclude key stakeholders — teachers and superintendents — from important policy making. Hagedorn, from Meridian, called Durst's proposed changes "hostile." He argued there was nothing to preclude teachers and superintendents from offering input, but that it was important to leave decision-making to elected leaders. The Senate still must vote on the bill.