 the state, an agency or subdivision of the state, an officer or employee of the state, an institution of higher education, an officer or employee of an institution of higher education, a private or independent institution of higher education that has not adopted rules under Section 000.0000(e), an officer or employee of a private or independent institution of higher education that has not adopted rules under Section 000.0000(e), a peace officer, a qualified handgun instructor, or an approved online course provider 