Texas governor signs bill allowing more armed teachers

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law several measures meant to boost school security, including ones that will allow armed teachers in schools and increase mental health services for students.

The bills signed Thursday were passed this year in response to the 2018 shooting at Santa Fe High School near Houston that killed eight students and two substitute teachers, and wounded 13 other people. A student at the school has been charged in the killings.

One of the new laws allows schools to arm as many teachers and campus personnel as local officials see fit. The state’s school marshal program requires marshals to undergo 80 hours of training, including active shooter scenarios.

Teachers groups and gun control advocates have opposed allowing more guns in schools.

Texas lawmakers did not pass any new gun restrictions after the shooting.