Local Education Agencies - As introduced, authorizes LEAs and public charter schools to employ retired law enforcement officers who are retired from a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency and honorably discharged veterans of the United States armed forces to serve as school resource officers on school premises; requires local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to adopt policies to effectuate same. - Amends TCA Title 8; Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5; Title 37; Title 38; Title 49; Section 55-8-151 and Title 62.

SB 257 allows Tennessee local school districts and public charter schools to hire retired law enforcement officers (from federal, state, or local agencies) or honorably discharged U.S. military veterans as school resource officers (SROs) on school grounds. It requires school boards to adopt written policies outlining SRO duties, authority limits, and compliance with student privacy laws like FERPA. The bill also mandates that these SROs complete 40 hours of approved school policing training (at their own expense) and carry firearms on school premises per existing rules. This expands the pool of eligible SROs beyond current law enforcement officers while adding specific training and policy requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.