S.1189 - School Guardian Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The School Guardian Act of 2025 (S.1189) proposes to provide block grants to states for assigning armed law enforcement officers to elementary and secondary schools. The grants, administered by the chief law enforcement agency of each state, would fund the pay, training, and equipment for these officers. Funding for the grants would come from unobligated balances of amounts made available to the Internal Revenue Service under Public Law 117-169.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would increase the presence of armed law enforcement officers in K-12 schools across the United States. States would receive grants based on their K-12 student population, and local law enforcement agencies could then apply for subgrants to hire officers dedicated to school security.
Potential Benefits
- Increased security presence in schools, potentially deterring school shootings and other violent incidents.
- Provision of funding for training and equipment for school-based law enforcement officers.
- Potential for improved relationships between law enforcement and students.
- Creation of law enforcement jobs at the local level.
- Dedicated funding stream for school safety initiatives.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased tension and anxiety among students due to the presence of armed officers.
- Risk of disproportionate targeting of minority students by law enforcement.
- Concerns about the militarization of schools.
- Diversion of resources from other school safety measures, such as mental health support and counseling.
- Potential for accidental shootings or other incidents involving law enforcement officers in schools.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. While proponents might argue it aligns with the government's responsibility to "insure domestic Tranquility" as stated in the Preamble, concerns could be raised regarding the Second Amendment and the potential for infringing upon the right to bear arms if the presence of law enforcement is perceived as intimidating or restrictive. Additionally, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, raising questions about the federal government's role in local school security.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).