DES MOINES, Iowa - A plan to require school districts to create emergency plans for school shootings and other emergencies was given unanimous approval by the Iowa House.
Democrats attempted to add several items to the bill.
State Representative Bruce Hunter (D-Des Moines) suggested making teachers public safety officers.
"Basically. Especially with this active shooter training, they're going to be responsible to get their kids out of harm's way if somebody with an AK-47 or whatever weapon comes into their school and starts shooting." Hunter tells WHO Radio News.
He says Iowa teachers are already acting as school officers.
"They have to do exactly that. Break up a fights, make sure bullies aren't coming after kids in their classrooms." Hunter said.
"Kids come after them, sometimes. Some of the gang activity. They're doing a lot more than teaching."
On Wednesday Hunter suggested an amendment to the active shooter training bill that would re-designate teachers as public safety officers, giving teachers the same benefits and respect that other public safety employees get. His amendment was rejected.
The bill returns to the Iowa Senate for a final vote.