Texas-Book-Gun Law Armed And Educated - Flipbook - Page 365
2) complete an 80-hour training course conducted by a law
enforcement academy administering the school marshal
curriculum;
3) complete a psychological examination; and
4) possess a valid license to carry a handgun.
In 2021, the 87th Legislature amended Texas Education Code Sections
37.0811, 37.0813, 51.220, and expanded the ability of school marshals
to carry. Previously, a school marshal was not permitted to carry a
concealed handgun on their person if their job required regular, direct
contact with students. As of September 1, 2021, school marshals can
carry a concealed handgun on their person even if they have regular,
direct contact with students (e.g., teacher). If a school marshal chooses
not to keep the handgun on their person, the handgun must be kept in a
locked and secured safe or in another secured location on the physical
premises of the school.
The Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and
Education (“TCOLE”) states that a school marshal’s “sole purpose is
to prevent the act of murder or serious bodily injury on the school
premises” and that school marshals are “not peace officers.”
Upon a written inquiry by a parent or guardian of a student enrolled at a
school, the school district or charter school must provide written notice
indicating the existence of an employee appointed as a school marshal.
However, the actual identity of the school marshal is confidential and
will not be made available to an inquiring parent or guardian.
Any handgun carried by a school marshal on a school or junior
college’s campus must be loaded with frangible ammunition in an
effort to minimize unintended collateral damage.
354 | CHAPTER FOURTEEN
