In Alaska, we have under 1300 law-enforcement officers and 40% of our state have no police presence. In Alaska, we have unique factors that significantly impacts emergency response time; lack of road infrastructure, delays of travel due to weather, high number of rural areas and limited police presence. All factors impedes law enforcement response to an active shooter in schools that are located in rural areas. An active shooter event statistically by FBI, in 2022, shows an event is over within 2 to 5 minutes. This situation deeply concerns us as it leaves our children vulnerable.

We propose an Act requiring school districts to grant qualified persons an assigned duty to carry a concealed handgun on school grounds under certain conditions. This Act would not only provide immediate protection but also ensure that these individuals are well-trained and knowledgeable about firearm safety.

The proposed act covers standards, training, and continuing education in firearms training for those granted this duty. It ensures that only qualified individuals who have undergone rigorous training can carry concealed handguns on school premises.

Furthermore, this act emphasizes communication between school districts with state and local law enforcement agencies. It mandates the development of comprehensive crisis response plans tailored for each school district's unique needs.

According to a 2018 study by Northeastern University, shooting incidents involving students have been significantly increasing since 1999 [source: Northeastern University]. In rural areas like ours where police response time may be delayed due to distance or weather conditions, having trained personnel onsite could potentially save lives during emergencies.

Let's work together towards creating safer learning environments for our children while ensuring responsible gun handling practices are observed at all times. Please sign this petition if you believe that implementing such an act is crucial for the safety of our students across Alaska.