BISMARCK, N.D. - The North Dakota Senate has rejected a proposal that would allow trained staff members to carry concealed firearms in schools.
The Senate voted 27-18 to kill the legislation on Tuesday. It would allow up to 10 schools to participate in the guns-in-schools ''pilot program.'' The House passed the bill in February.
The bill is aimed at rural schools without a school resource officer, since it takes law enforcement time to respond to an emergency situation.
Some education groups say the measure opens schools to lawsuits and higher insurance costs.
Pro-gun lawmakers have unsuccessfully pushed similar legislation in the two prior sessions.
The bill would require 80 hours of training for potential gun-packing school officials. Schools also would be required to provide them counseling after a shooting incident.
