Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced on Monday that he has signed a bill into law that makes it easier for teachers to legally carry firearms in schools.
The measure will reduce the amount of training that teachers and other school staff are required to undergo before they can possess a firearm on school grounds from 700 hours to a minimum of 24 hours.
The new law calls for eight hours of prequalification training every year, as well as training on stopping an active shooter, de-escalation techniques, and first aid care.
According to a 2020 Rand Corp. study, 28 U.S. states allow schools to arm teachers or staff “in at least some cases or as part of a specific program.” Ohio is among states that allow armed teachers if the school district or charter school allows it.