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AUSTIN, Texas — A newly proposed bill in Texas aims to enhance school security by introducing armed drones and boosting school safety funding. Filed by State Representative Ryan Guillen, the legislation will be considered during the 89th Texas Legislative session beginning in January 2025.
Armed Drones: Expanding Security Options for Schools
The bill’s primary objective is to strengthen safety and mental health support within Texas public schools. It proposes using armed security officers, a measure that has proven challenging for many districts due to staffing shortages. As an alternative, the bill suggests deploying drones equipped with “less lethal” devices such as pepper spray or other non-lethal mechanisms to improve campus security.
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The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that either an armed officer or a security drone is present for every 200 students, enhancing protection while offering flexibility for districts with limited personnel.
Increased School Security Funding
To support these security enhancements, the bill suggests raising per-student school safety funding from $10 to $100. This tenfold increase would allow schools to allocate resources toward hiring security guards or establishing a drone program, depending on their unique needs and budgets.
By offering schools a range of security options, the legislation seeks to address growing concerns about campus safety while providing districts with the financial means to implement protective measures tailored to their circumstances.
