Sheehy Introduces Strengthening Resources for Our Schools Act

U.S. SENATE – Senator Sheehy (R – Mont.) introduced the Strengthening Resources for Our Schools (SROs) Act to protect students, increase school safety, and empower veterans and retired law enforcement to continue serving their communities.

“Keeping the American people safe, especially young kids in school, is one of government’s most solemn duties, and that starts by empowering local communities with local solutions. The SROs Act is an America First commonsense bill that protects students and supports our veterans and retired law enforcement officers who want to continue serving by making our schools and communities safer,” said Senator Sheehy.

“I want to thank Senator Tim Sheehy for his courage in tackling this critical issue of protecting our children. His bill creates a sustainable funding mechanism that empowers every community—large or small—to put vetted, trained, and certified school resource officers in our schools. This proactive approach ensures our most precious resource—our children—are protected, while honoring the service of our retired law enforcement and military veterans. Now is the time to act and get this bill passed,” said Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter.

“This bill is a true Montana solution: we trust our law enforcement and our veterans to protect our communities, and this legislation puts those proven protectors back in our schools to keep Montana children safe. In rural Montana, the nearest deputy can be an hour away, sometimes far more when the roads are iced over or a blizzard rolls in. We cannot wait for help to arrive after something happens. We have to stop trouble before it starts, and that means having trained, trusted law enforcement on campus every single day. The SROs Act removes the federal tax penalty that keeps our retired Montana peace officers and combat veterans on the sidelines, so they can step up, protect our kids, mentor the next generation, and keep every dollar of the hard-earned retirement they sacrificed to earn,” said Representative Ryan Zinke. 

Senator Sheehy’s SROs Act is co-sponsored by Senators Cynthia Lummis (R – Wyo.) and Jim Justice (R – W.Va.), and is endorsed by the Police Officers Defense Coalition, Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association, Western States Sheriffs’ Association, and Montana Sheriffs & Peace Officers Association. Representatives Ryan Zinke (MT-01) and Don Davis (NC-01) are co-leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Background:

The SROs Act of 2025 amends existing law to offer a federal income tax exemption on retirement pay for any retired law enforcement officer or veteran who serve as School Resource Officers, should they meet all Public Officer Standards and Training requirements. Additionally, should they serve at least ten years as a School Resource Officer, a lifetime exemption on federal income tax on retirement pay is granted.

The bill provides schools with the resources and support they need to keep students safe in the classroom. The bill also provides veterans and retired law enforcement the opportunity to meaningfully serve their communities, allowing them to fill a security and mentor role.

Read more about the bill HERE. Read the full bill HERE.