Bill Overview
Title: PASS Act
Description: This bill broadens the authority for certain individuals to carry concealed firearms in a school zone. Specifically, the bill exempts the following categories of individuals from the federal prohibition on possessing (or discharging) a firearm in a school zone: certain active and retired law enforcement officers who are authorized to carry concealed firearms under federal law, and individuals who are allowed to carry concealed firearms under the law of a state.
Sponsors: Rep. Weber, Randy K., Sr. [R-TX-14]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in school zones worldwide, and those carrying concealed firearms
Estimated Size: 100000000
- The legislation affects the ability to carry firearms in school zones, directly impacting individuals currently restricted by this prohibition.
- Active and retired law enforcement officers are central to the legislation's stipulations, potentially enlarging the scope of their authority.
- Individuals with state permits to carry concealed firearms are also a key group impacted by the legislation.
- The primary concern pertains to school environments, so all students, teachers, and school staff are indirectly impacted, given the potential change in security dynamics.
- Indirectly, families of students and educational professionals may feel impacted due to perceived changes in school safety.
- The legislation's impact also indirectly involves parents and guardians, as they may experience changes in concern regarding the safety of the schooling environments.
Reasoning
- By broadening the authority to carry concealed firearms in school zones, the legislation potentially increases the number of firearms present in these environments. This could affect individuals differently based on their role and perception of safety.
- Teachers and school staff might experience anxiety or a sense of increased security, depending on their personal views on firearms. Their wellbeing could vary significantly based on these perceptions.
- Parents and guardians might feel either a heightened sense of concern for their children's safety due to more firearms or a sense of relief if they believe it increases security.
- Retired and active law enforcement officers might feel more empowered and safer, potentially enhancing their perceived security, but this increased responsibility could also add stress.
- Students might sense changes in the atmosphere of their school environment. Depending on their awareness and understanding, their wellbeing could be positively or negatively affected.
- People living in regions with more permissive gun laws might be less affected by the change, viewing it as consistent with their local norms.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Houston, TX)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned that introducing more firearms into school zones could lead to accidents or increase anxiety among students and staff.
- Our focus should be on preventive measures and mental health support, not adding more firearms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Retired police officer (Columbus, OH)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a retired officer, I appreciate the ability to protect school zones if necessary.
- However, the responsibility should come with adequate training and regulations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
College student (Denver, CO)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Introducing more guns could escalate violence rather than mitigate it.
- Psychological safety within schools can be compromised with more firearms present.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 9 |
School district safety coordinator (Provo, UT)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having experienced officers carry firearms in schools can serve as deterrence.
- It is crucial to ensure these officers are trained specifically for school environments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
High school principal (New York, NY)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I fear this law will undermine efforts to create a supportive and non-violent school culture.
- Extra guns may just lead to more incidents and fear among students and staff.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 9 |
Student (Ann Arbor, MI)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Allowing more guns seems counterproductive to creating a safe learning environment.
- Understanding students' mental health and promoting dialogue are more effective.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 8 |
Parent (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm reassured knowing trained individuals can protect my kids in school zones.
- There should be strict protocols and training for those carrying firearms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Law enforcement officer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy can enhance our ability to respond quicker to threats during school hours.
- It must be paired with comprehensive training on handling firearms in school settings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Counselor (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More firearms is not the answer to making schools safer.
- Focus should be on mental health and providing more resources to students and faculty.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 8 |
Grad student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry that such policies normalize firearm presence in schools, escalating potential dangers.
- Policies should focus on restricting rather than expanding firearm access in educational settings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The change in legislative policy may influence school policies and result in changes in how school safety is managed, potentially causing increased costs at local levels.
- Legal challenges may arise, adding unexpected costs to state and federal budgets related to litigation.
- Public opinion on safety measures in schools may significantly influence the perceived success or failure of the policy.
- The actual number of law enforcement officers and concealed carriers who will carry firearms in school zones will affect the realized cost of adaptation and enforcement.