Zinke Introduces Bipartisan Strengthening Resources for Our Schools Act

Washington, D.C. - Today, Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Rep. Donald G. Davis (NC-01) introduced the Strengthening Resources for Our Schools (SROs) Act, a bipartisan-backed measure to enhance school safety, protect students from violence, and create meaningful second-career opportunities for America's veterans and retired law enforcement officers. Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

"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," said Zinke. "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."

"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 common sense 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 Tim Sheehy.

"Above all, our most important responsibility to our children must be their safety," said Congressman Don Davis. "By incentivizing retired public servants to serve once again as a school resource officer, we are preventing tragedies in our classrooms before they happen."

The legislation is also co-sponsored by Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and has earned strong support from law enforcement organizations nationwide, including the Police Officers Defense Coalition, the Small and Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association, the Western States Sheriffs' Association, and the Montana Sheriffs & Peace Officers Association.

Key provisions of the SROs Act of 2025:

• Amends the Internal Revenue Code to grant a federal income tax exemption on retirement income for any qualified retired law enforcement officer or military veteran who returns to work as a certified School Resource Officer (SRO) and meets all applicable POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements.
• Provides a permanent, lifetime federal tax exemption on retirement income for those who serve at least ten years as an SROs

The bill strengthens school safety in the wake of continued threats and tragic incidents, respects Second Amendment rights, and offers veterans and retired law enforcement a dignified way to continue protecting and mentoring the next generation.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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