A bill allowing South Dakota school districts to arm teachers and other personnel is one signature away from becoming law. Monday the House of Representatives voted 40–19 to accept a recently approved Senate version of the bill. The Senate added language to the measure last week saying a school board must decide in public whether to arm teachers and others.

School district residents also could refer a school board's decision to arm teachers to a public vote.

Supporters say rural schools far from law enforcement agencies might want to train and arm teachers or volunteers who are retired law officers. Representatives of school boards and teachers oppose the bill.

In his State of the Schools address last week, Superintendent of Rapid City Area Schools Dr. Timothy Mitchell said he would not support allowing guns in Rapid City schools.

The bill now awaits the governor's signature.

Associated Press