SB 905: Modifies language relating to school protection officers and creates Missouri Rangers training program - Missouri

3/25/2026 - SS for SCS S offered (Gregory-15)--(5720S.04F) 3/25/2026 - Adopted, as amended → 3/25/2026 - SA 1 to SS for SCS S offered & adopted (Schroer)--(5720S04.07S) 3/25/2026 - Adopted · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended to replace the original Senate Substitute with a new Senate Amendment. The primary substantive change is the replacement of the word 'establish' with 'promulgate rules' regarding the training program, which shifts the authority from the POST commission directly creating the program to the commission creating regulations under existing rulemaking procedures. The amendment also adds a critical sunset provision, stating that any rules created under this section become invalid if the POST commission's rulemaking authority is later found unconstitutional.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on Missouri Rangers training, but the mechanism for implementation changed from direct statutory establishment to rulemaking, and a new condition for validity regarding constitutional challenges was added.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the language from the POST commission 'establishing' a training program to 'promulgating rules' for the program, altering the legal mechanism for creating the training standards.

Removed the specific statutory text detailing the training program requirements, physical fitness standards, arrest powers, and uniform specifications, as these were part of the original Senate Substitute text that was replaced.

TIMELINE

Added a provision stating that the grant of rulemaking authority and any rules adopted after August 28, 2026, shall be invalid if the POST commission's rulemaking powers are later held unconstitutional.

5720S.04P - Perfected → 3/25/2026 - SS for SCS S offered (Gregory-15)--(5720S.04F) 3/25/2026 - Adopted, as amended · 2 edits

MINOR

The bill was adopted in its amended form, replacing the previous 'perfected' version with a final Senate Substitute. The substantive text of the legislation remains largely consistent, though specific formatting and line breaks were adjusted during the legislative process to finalize the bill for enactment.

Scope change

No change in scope or applicability; the bill continues to establish the Missouri Rangers training program under the POST commission.

TECHNICAL

The document header was updated from 'PERFECTED' to 'SENATE SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE' and the bill number was changed from 5720S.04P to 5720S.04F to reflect its status as the final adopted version.

Minor formatting adjustments were made to the text layout, including the removal of page footers and the reorganization of line breaks within the statutory sections.

5720S.02C - Senate Committee Substitute → 5720S.04P - Perfected · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to replace a repealed version of school safety laws with a new program creating 'Missouri Rangers.' This change shifts the focus from designating individual teachers as protection officers to establishing a formal training program administered by the POST commission for a specialized group of personnel.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed from repealing multiple existing sections to enacting a single new section that creates a specific training program and defines a new role, the 'Missouri Ranger,' rather than using existing teacher/administrator roles.

SCOPE

Removed provisions that repealed sections 160.665, 170.315, 590.010, and 590.205, which previously allowed teachers and administrators to be designated as school protection officers.

REQUIREMENT

Added new requirements establishing a POST-commissioned training program with specific physical fitness standards, background checks, and a curriculum of up to 160 hours covering combat, de-escalation, and legal training.

ELIGIBILITY

Added eligibility criteria requiring applicants to pass a physical fitness test and, if former military, to have received an honorable discharge.

DEFINITION

Added the definition of 'Missouri Ranger' as a person who successfully completes the new training program and receives a specific badge and uniform.

ENFORCEMENT

Added provisions granting Missouri Rangers limited arrest powers for offenses occurring on school property and defining their legal status as school employees for liability purposes.

FISCAL

Removed the provision stating that compensation for school protection officers must be funded entirely by local school districts with no state funds used.

5720S.01I - Introduced → 5720S.02C - Senate Committee Substitute · 7 edits

MODERATE

The bill was restructured to repeal old sections and replace them with new ones focused on school safety rather than a specific 'Missouri Rangers' program. The new law allows school employees to voluntarily serve as school protection officers with the authority to carry concealed firearms or self-defense spray devices on school property. It establishes specific training requirements, limits detention powers to one hour, and mandates that compensation for these duties be funded entirely by local school districts with no state funds.

Scope change

The bill's scope shifted from creating a specialized 'Missouri Rangers' training program to establishing a broader framework for designating any qualified school employee as a school protection officer.

SCOPE

Removed the specific 'Missouri Rangers' program title and the POST commission's role in establishing minimum standards for a dedicated ranger training program.

Added the concept of 'school protection officers,' allowing any school district or charter school to designate employees as such.

ELIGIBILITY

Added requirements that designated officers must have a valid concealed carry permit and complete a training program approved by the Department of Public Safety.

FISCAL

Added a provision stating that any compensation for additional duties as a school protection officer must be funded by the local school district, with no state funds used.

ENFORCEMENT

Modified detention authority to limit holding a detained person to a maximum of one hour and requiring immediate notification of administrators and parents.

DEFINITION

Added a definition for 'self-defense spray device' as a nonlethal device capable of incapacitating a violent threat.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirements for schools to notify the Department of Public Safety within thirty days of designating an officer or revoking that designation.

Modifies language relating to school protection officers and creates Missouri Rangers training program

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