Last week, State Sen. Greg Evers filed a proposal that could lead to county school superintendents allowing "designees" to carry concealed weapons on school grounds.

The Baker Republican filed bill (SB 180) for the 2015 legislative session. It is similar to a House bill (HB 19) filed last week by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota. The House during the 2014 session passed a version of the bill, but the proposal died in the Senate.

Under Evers' bill, school superintendents, with the approval of local school boards, could authorize designated employees or volunteers to carry guns on school property.

A designee could be an honorably discharged military veteran, an active-duty member of the military, National Guard or reserves or an active-duty or former law-enforcement officer.

The designee would have to meet other criteria, such as completing a school-safety program and undergoing background checks. Supporters of the bills contend that gun-carrying designees could help ensure schools safety.

"It is the intent of the Legislature to prevent violent crimes from occurring on school grounds,'' Evers' bill said. "The Legislature acknowledges that the safekeeping of our students, teachers, and campuses is imperative."