Senators Vote to Require Training for Resource Officers

Police officers working in Nebraska schools would have to undergo at least 20 hours of special training under a bill advanced by lawmakers.

Lawmakers gave first-round approval Monday to a measure that would require coursework on student rights, understanding special needs students, teenage brain development and other relevant issues.

Administrators would need to undergo similar training in schools with a school resource officer.

The bill would also prohibit officers from becoming involved in school disciplinary matters.

Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, of Lincoln, says she introduced the bill out of concern that officers in some school had involved themselves in disciplinary matters.

The bill advanced 38-0 through the first of three required votes.