PA Bill Number: HB829
Title: In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;
Description: An Act amending the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;
Last Action: Signed in House
Last Action Date: Jul 3, 2024
Gun-free zones safety questioned :: 09/02/2018
In the wake of another mass shooting in a place that was to be a gun-free zone, some gun rights advocates want either armed security provided, or to let people conceal carry so they can protect themselves.
"You walk into a gun-free zone, you're walking into a killing zone," Craig Schnieder said.
He has spent over four decades as a law enforcement officer and has taught hundreds of people gun safety, concealed carry and self defense courses.
"The gun-free zone is not working. Everyone of these of these shootings are gun-free zones," Schnieder said.
On Tuesday, several survivors of the deadly shooting, which left three dead and 10 wounded in Jacksonville, Florida, said they will file a negligent security lawsuit against the gaming bar.
"I'm sure those people in Jacksonville, Florida thought it was a safe environment and it turned out not to be," Schnieder said.
He believes addressing active shooter situations should be a multifaceted approach, which includes providing either armed security or allowing qualified people to concealed carry, even in schools.
"Typically what these are, are local options. What may be pertinent for Omaha and Lincoln and Grand Island might not be in Mullen and Broken Bow because law enforcement resources out in those smaller communities are very, very limited," Schnieder said.
Several states already allow teachers to carry weapons.
Schnieder said some states require over 100 hours of training.
"Some of those states have more requirements for teachers than they do for law enforcement officers," Schnieder said.
Jenni Benson, the president of the Nebraska State Education Association, which represents teachers said that only certified officers should be armed in schools.
"My job is to teach. My job is not to have a concealed carry on me while I'm at school," Benson said.
She said school security and safety of kids is a top priority and arming teachers creates a number of other concerns.
"When you talk about local option, there a lot of things that go along with that, liability, whether teachers want to be in a building where other teachers were carrying," Benson said.
The NSEA is forming a committee that will make recommendations to the general membership on school security.
Benson said the committee will seek input from teachers and the community.
"Across the state, it's important for us to hear both sides," Benson said.
She said kids' safety is a top priority.
Schnieder agrees.
"People think, this is Nebraska, ah, think again people. It can happen here," Schnieder said.
https://www.ketv.com/article/gun-free-zones-safety-questioned/22867975
