HB 20, sponsored by Delegate Cluster, further restricts access to public schools, requires a, “school resource officer” in every public school, and subjects anyone deemed guilty of trespassing a fine and/or jail sentence.

First, the school may deny access to all but pupils and staff.  Parents are not listed:

(B) THE COUNTY BOARD, COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT, PRINCIPAL, OR SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER OF ANY PUBLIC SCHOOL, OR A PERSON DESIGNATED IN WRITING BY THE BOARD OR ANY OF THESE PERSONS, MAY DENY ACCESS TO THE BUILDINGS OR GROUNDS OF THE SCHOOL TO ANY OTHER PERSON WHO:

(1) IS NOT A BONA FIDE, CURRENTLY REGISTERED STUDENT, OR STAFF OR FACULTY MEMBER AT THE SCHOOL, AND WHO DOES NOT HAVE LAWFUL BUSINESS TO PURSUE AT THE SCHOOL;

and

(E) A PERSON IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND ON CONVICTION IS SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $1,000, IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 6 MONTHS, OR BOTH IF THE PERSON:

trespasses; fails or refuses to leave school grounds; willfully damages or defaces buildings or landscaping.

Further, every public school must have a, “school resource officer”:

(A) AT LEAST ONE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER SHALL BE ASSIGNED TO EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE STATE.
(B) IF A PUBLIC SCHOOL IN THE STATE DOES NOT HAVE AT LEAST ONE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER ASSIGNED TO THE SCHOOL AS OF AUGUST 1, 2014, THE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SCHOOL SHALL HIRE A RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER TO SERVE AS A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER FOR THE SCHOOL.

School resource officers’ minimum wage is least $25 per hour, per this bill.

Hearing 1/29 at 1:00 p.m.

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