Senate Judiciary panel clarifies self‑defense protections to include classified school staff

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance S.B.59 after adopting a sponsor amendment that clarifies the term "teacher" in the criminal code also covers classified school employees, proponents said.

Senator Chesterfield, the sponsor, said the change is a drafting correction to existing law and would make explicit that bus drivers, cafeteria workers, paraprofessionals and other classified staff have the same right to defend themselves as certified teachers. "Our workers should have the right to self defense," the sponsor said, noting several paraprofessionals were assaulted this year and feared losing their jobs if they defended themselves.

A committee member asked whether classified employees receive training to handle disciplinary incidents, especially involving students with disabilities; the sponsor acknowledged training is limited but said the bill's purpose is to ensure employees are not prevented from defending themselves if assaulted. Jerry Cox, executive director of Family Council, testified in support and described the amendment as a drafting fix that protects both employees and students' welfare.

Committee members moved and approved the amendment by voice vote and then approved the bill as amended. The measure will proceed from the committee as recommended.

The committee record shows the amendment was offered, adopted, and the bill received a do‑pass recommendation; no further committee conditions were recorded.