NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Protesters in Tennessee voiced their concerns as the state House Republicans passed a bill allowing certain teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds. The bill also includes a provision that would prevent parents and other teachers from knowing which employees are armed. The 68-28 vote in favor of the bill now awaits consideration by Republican Governor Bill Lee, marking a significant development in the state’s gun access laws post the tragic incident at a private elementary school in Nashville the previous year.
Following the vote, members of the public who opposed the bill confronted Republican lawmakers, leading House Speaker Cameron Sexton to clear the galleries. The bill, supported by most House Republicans and opposed by Democrats and four House Republicans, would restrict the disclosure of armed employees to a select few individuals, including school administrators and law enforcement. Eligible staff would need approval from a principal, school district, and law enforcement agency, as well as undergo 40 hours of training.
State Representative Ryan Williams, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the importance of creating a deterrent against shootings across the state. However, Democratic lawmakers raised concerns about the lack of parental consent requirements, notifications on armed staff, and potential liabilities for the school district. The proposed measure represents a shift in response to The Covenant School shooting, diverging from Governor Lee’s previous attempts to keep guns away from individuals considered dangerous.
Despite the objections, the bill passed through the state Senate and House with a likelihood of becoming law. The vote sparked tensions between Democratic and Republican lawmakers, resulting in reprimands and accusations of rule violations. While the bill’s fate remains uncertain in terms of school district participation, concerns persist regarding the safety implications of expanding gun access on school grounds.
Tennessee’s history of loosening gun laws, including the 2021 permit-less carry law for handguns, exemplifies the state’s ongoing efforts to broaden firearm access. The passing of the bill reflects a broader national conversation on gun control, highlighting differing perspectives on how best to address safety concerns in educational settings. As the debate continues, the decision to expand gun access in schools raises questions about the balance between security measures and potential risks associated with increased firearm presence.