Sen. Eric Buckson (R-South Dover) and House Republican Whip Jeff Spiegelman (R-Clayton) are sponsoring a new measure to improve school safety.
Senate Bill 304, a.k.a. the “Safe Schools Sentry Act,” would provide private schools with tools to enhance campus safety and protect students and staff.
The bill seeks to create a narrowly tailored exemption within Delaware’s Safe School Zone law that would allow trained and authorized individuals, referred to as “sentries,” to carry a firearm or projectile weapon on private school property, subject to strict requirements and oversight.
Sentries must be employees of the private school, possess a valid concealed carry permit or qualifying law enforcement credentials, complete firearm and active threat response training, undergo school security officer training through the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, and carry school-approved identification. Schools must also notify local law enforcement agencies if they choose to authorize a sentry.
“Every school deserves the ability to protect its students and staff, regardless of whether it can afford a full-time school resource officer or constable,” said Sen. Buckson. “SB 304 gives private schools the flexibility to enhance campus security while maintaining strong training and accountability standards.”
Rep. Spiegelman echoed Sen. Buckson’s sentiments, noting that private schools often lack the budget for a full-time constable or school resource officer. “By establishing a trained, authorized sentry option, this bill delivers a realistic and cost-effective solution to strengthen student safety,” he said.
Several other states have adopted similar exemptions allowing trained personnel to serve in school security roles, including Indiana, Ohio, Utah, Kansas, and Wyoming.
Among the co-sponsors of the proposal are House Republicans, Rich Collins (R-Millsboro), Tim Dukes (R-Laurel), Danny Short (R-Seaford), and Lyndon Yearick (R-Camden, Woodside).
SB 304 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.
