The person selected to participate in the program must complete a criminal background check, as well as a physical and mental health evaluation, and must be approved by the school board to carry a concealed firearm on school property. He or she also must have a valid Class 1 concealed weapons license.

Under the bill, the superintendent of public instruction is required to provide “periodic reports” to Legislative Management on the program’s implementation and progress.

The bill was amended from its original version. Rep. Dwight Kiefert, R-Valley City, previously said his bill would provide additional security for rural schools, according to the Bismarck Tribune.

The House also passed a bill that removes the requirement that law enforcement know the names of people churches allow to carry a concealed weapon on its property. It adds language to state law, however, that says a church or place of worship may not be held liable for injury, death or damage to property caused by a person permitted to carry a concealed weapon.

Current state law says a licensed person may carry a concealed weapon in a church or place of worship if they have permission from its primary religious leader or governing body. That language is untouched by House Bill 1273, which passed in a 73-19 vote.

The House rejected a bill amending the definition of “publicly owned or operated building” in the section of state law dealing with possessing a firearm or dangerous weapon at a public gathering. It also shot down legislation that said personal firearms and ammunition manufactured in North Dakota that stay in the state aren’t subject to federal laws or regulations.

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