MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would let local school boards of education hire retired law enforcement officers to serve as armed school security staff.

Senate Bill 255, sponsored by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, stipulates retired officers must possess 25 years of experience, have completed active-shooter prevention training approved by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and have completed a firearms certification course.

Limestone County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tom Sisk said the bill is “a win-win” for schools.

“In Alabama, we have a lot of retired FBI agents, state troopers and police officers, many of whom also have extensive military experience,” he said. “Senator Melson’s bill will allow the schools to have a larger pool of qualified security officers from which to draw.”

Current law allows retired officers to serve as school security staff, but retired officers without Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (APOST), which can take weeks to complete, cannot be armed. SB 255, if it becomes law, would drop the APOST requirement.

“Protecting the children of Alabama is of paramount importance. School security has to be improved and this is a real solution that will put more highly qualified officers in schools throughout the state,” Melson said. “I have worked closely with Representative Phillip Pettus on this, and we have had numerous meetings with superintendents and teachers — their input has been key, and I appreciate the Senate passing this measure. I expect that the bill will have smooth passage in the House of Representatives.”

The bill now goes to the House.