School rangers would train for emergencies and follow weapon rules

The POST commission shall establish a Missouri Rangers training program and set minimum standards for instructors, centers and training programs. The training focuses on preventing and responding to emergencies or violent crises in schools.

Applicants must authorize a criminal history check, take a fitness test before training, and former or retired military applicants must have an honorable discharge. These requirements apply to people seeking entry into the Missouri Rangers training program. Applicants ages 21 to 35 must meet listed running, pull-up, push-up and crunch standards. The POST commission shall set lower age-based standards for older applicants. The background check must include FBI records. The training center or program sends the report to the agency where the applicant seeks ranger designation. Applicants take the fitness test after applying but before entering the training program.

A trained ranger's arrest powers are limited to specified school-related settings and offenses. The limits apply to Missouri Rangers who are actively employed by a school or district, on school or district property or buses during school activities. The covered offenses include offenses under chapter 571 and certain trespass offenses involving school property. These limits do not apply to an active law enforcement officer.

A hiring school or district may authorize a ranger to carry a firearm or another weapon readily capable of lethal use on school property or buses. The permission covers school property and buses owned, operated or contracted for by the hiring school or district. The hiring school or district decides whether the ranger may carry a weapon, which weapon, and whether it may be concealed. A ranger openly carrying a pistol on duty must use a level three retention holster. The hiring school or district makes these decisions for the ranger while on duty.