OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill allowing boards of education to adopt policies authorizing school personnel to carry firearms on school campuses passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives Tuesday evening.

House Bill 2588, sponsored by Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, would authorize the carrying of a handgun onto school property by school personnel if the person possesses a valid handgun license and meets other requirements authorized by the board of education of the district.

“Sadly, gun violence in schools has become a very real concern for many across America,” said Roberts. “For the protection of our students and school staff, our boards of education must be given the ability to set policies that are proper for their school districts. This bill doesn’t mandate policies across the state, rather it provides for local control in regards to this very important public safety issue.”

HB 2588 passed by a vote of 79-19 and is now eligible to be heard by the Senate.