Nashville, Tennessee – Lawmakers in Tennessee have recently approved a measure that would permit school staff to carry concealed handguns on school premises, following a tragic incident where six individuals lost their lives due to a shooter at a Nashville school.
The Tennessee House voted 68-28 in favor of the legislation, with four Republicans breaking ranks to oppose the bill. The state Senate, also controlled by the GOP, had previously passed the measure earlier this month.
Republican state Rep. Ryan Williams emphasized that the bill aims to enhance school safety by serving as a deterrent against potential threats. The legislation mandates that faculty and staff undergo a minimum of 40 hours of specialized training in school policing annually if they wish to carry concealed firearms on school grounds.
During the proceedings, protesters in the gallery voiced their dissent with chants of “Blood on your hands.” Democratic state Rep. Bo Mitchell raised concerns about the measure, particularly in light of the previous year’s tragic Covenant School shooting in Nashville, where six individuals, including three children, lost their lives.
State Sen. Paul Bailey, a Republican who sponsored the bill in the upper chamber, was not immediately available for comment on Tuesday. Similarly, a spokesperson for Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, did not respond to inquiries about his stance on signing the bill.
Tennessee joins a growing list of states that have passed legislation allowing teachers to carry firearms in schools. The Giffords Law Center reports that at least 26 states have laws permitting teachers and school employees to possess guns on school grounds, with certain exceptions.
The divisive issue continues to spark debate over the best approach to ensure school safety and prevent future tragedies. Critics question the efficacy of arming school staff, while proponents argue that it is a necessary precaution in today’s society. The decision now rests with the governor on whether to sign the bill into law or let it pass without his signature.