A controversial bill filed in the Texas Legislature aims to enhance school security by allowing districts to use drones armed with pepper spray or Tasers.
The measure comes as many schools struggle to comply with a previous mandate requiring armed guards on every campus following the Uvalde school shooting.
According to the San Antonio Express-News, the proposed legislation, introduced by Rep. Ryan Guillen, a Republican from Rio Grande City, seeks to address a funding gap for school safety. If passed, it would increase the state’s safety funding from $10 to $100 per student and permit districts to allocate the money for security upgrades, including deploying drones.
The bill mandates one drone for every 200 students and specifies that drones must have “less lethal interdiction capability” such as air-based irritant delivery.
Proponents argue that drones could serve as a cost-effective alternative to hiring armed guards, which many districts cannot afford.
However, school safety experts remain divided on the effectiveness of drones in preventing school shootings. David Riedman, founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database, voiced concerns about potential risks, including hacking and friendly fire. He questioned how drones could distinguish between attackers and armed school staff or police officers.
“The drones create more new risks and complications than viable defenses,” Riedman told the San Antonio Express-News.
It also received criticism from The Texas State Teachers Association, which called the measure “ridiculous.”
The bill comes amid growing debate about how to prevent school shootings. Companies like Axon, known for developing Tasers, have explored similar drone technologies but faced backlash from ethics advisers who deemed the approach impractical and potentially dangerous.
The legislative session begins in January when Guillen’s bill will likely face intense scrutiny. While some see drones as a cutting-edge solution, others remain skeptical about their practicality and safety.
