Veterans

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.