To combat a shortage of School Resource Officers (SROs), a Tennessee lawmaker has revived a bill for the 2025 legislative session. The legislation, previously passed by the House but stalled in the Senate, proposes allowing public charter schools to employ honorably discharged veterans and retired law enforcement officers as SROs.

The bill mandates that candidates fulfill specific requirements, including 40 hours of training in school policy, passing a handgun purchasing and possession test, obtaining authorization for carrying a firearm on school property, undergoing a psychiatric evaluation, and clearing an FBI criminal history check. Representative Tim Rudd, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the importance of training and highlighted the bill's aim to improve school safety, particularly in rural areas.

Rudd acknowledged that the legislation won't entirely resolve the SRO shortage but believes it will contribute to a solution. He stressed that the final decision regarding hiring and implementation rests with individual school systems.

While Rudd emphasizes the benefit to veterans and retired officers, he underscored the primary objective as enhancing student safety. A Navy veteran with over two decades of service expressed support for the measure, suggesting it could provide veterans with a renewed sense of purpose and the opportunity to mentor students.

This veteran also highlighted the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life, advocating for the potential of veterans to serve as positive influences within schools.