Legislation Introduced to ‘Unban’ Bulletproof Backpacks In Schools
West Monroe Senator Mike Walsworth has introduced legislation that would allow students in Louisiana to possess "bullet proof" backpacks on school campuses and buses.
Walsworth says that a number of concerned parents have come to him voicing fears for their children's safety. The Senator adds that he thinks the legislation is a way to immediately make schools safer.
The law banning body armor from schools was signed into law in 2008. From campussafetymagazine.com:
Gov. Bobby Jindal signed into law a bill that prohibits students from wearing or possessing body armor (such as bulletproof vests) on school grounds, school buses, at school sponsored events, in firearm-free zones and within 1,000 feet of school property.
Walsworth's bill, SB 178, says in part:
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana: 6 Section 1. R.S. 14:95.9(C)(8) is hereby enacted to read as follows: 7 §95.9. Wearing or possessing body armor, by a student or nonstudent on school 8 property, at school-sponsored functions, or in firearm-free zones; 9 exceptions 10 * * * 11 C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to: 12 * * * 13 (8) A student wearing, carrying, or possessing a backpack on school 14 property or a school bus that has bullet-resistant metal or other material 15 intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.
To read the entire bill introduced by Walsworth, JUST CLICK HERE!