“It is a tremendous honor to announce the introduction of the Strengthening Resources for Our Schools Act—legislation built directly from an idea born in the field, refined through collaboration, and now formally introduced in both chambers of Congress. This bill represents a major step forward in addressing the nationwide shortage of School Resource Officers (SROs), while strengthening the safety of children in schools across America.”
The legislative concept began earlier this summer when Eyler met with Sheriff Jesse Slaughter of Cascade County, Montana. Sheriff Slaughter recognized the critical shortage of trained SROs nationwide and presented a solution: Allow retired law enforcement officers and retired military personnel to serve as part-time SROs—and exempt their retirement pensions from federal taxation while actively serving in this capacity.
Eyler worked directly with Sheriff Slaughter to develop the proposed legislative framework. Once finalized, Sheriff Slaughter delivered the proposal to Senator Tim Sheehy, who immediately recognized its national importance. Senator Sheehy directed his team to convert the proposal into a formal Senate bill—resulting in S.3189.
Simultaneously, Eyler and Sheriff Slaughter collaborated with Congressman Ryan Zinke, who took the lead role in introducing the House companion bill, HR-6120, ensuring bicameral momentum from day one.
“Watching this idea evolve—from a conversation in Montana to a fully drafted piece of legislation in Congress—has been incredible,” Eyler said. “Senator Sheehy, Congressman Zinke, and Sheriff Slaughter have demonstrated what true leadership looks like. It was a great honor working with all of them to bring this forward.”
The SROS Act provides schools—especially in underserved, rural, and understaffed communities—with a practical, immediate path to increasing student safety. By tapping into the experience of trained, qualified retirees, the Act strengthens school security while reducing financial barriers that often prevent retirees from returning to public service.
“This bill gives America’s schools access to a reliable, highly trained pool of professionals who are ready to protect our children. It is not only innovative—it is urgently needed.”
The Police Officers’ Defense Coalition will continue working with congressional partners to secure passage of the SROS Act and deliver stronger, safer schools nationwide.
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About Police Officers’ Defense Coalition
Police Officers’ Defense Coalition will identify and flush out those elected officials that pretend to represent the people but actually use the unjust prosecution of police officers as a stepping stone to their next higher political office. Politicians are using the War on Cops for their own gain, and making our country even more divided in the process. It’s time we call them out and stand up for what’s right.
The Police Officers’ Defense Coalition works to bridge the gap and build a movement made up of civilians, active and retired law enforcement officials, and politicians to protect the men and women in blue that serve our communities and our country.
We have introduced legislation that protects law enforcement officers from frivolous civil lawsuits and raises the penalty for killing a law enforcement officer. It should be a crime to assault a law enforcement official in any way, from pouring water on them to pelting them with stones on the streets.
Media Contact
Bert Eyler, President
media@policeofficersdefensecoalition.com
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