Armed Teacher Bill Passes TN State House; Now In Governor’s Hands

A bill that would allow teachers to carry a concealed weapon in schools is now headed to Governor Bill Lee’s desk. The Tennessee State House passed the bill on Tuesday with numerous protesters chanting in the gallery, and students outside protesting on the Legislative Plaza. The bill, which passed in the senate last week, would allow teachers to carry a concealed weapon inside schools. There are some restrictions. Those who wish to carry would have to undergo 40 hours of training each year, plus undergo an annual psychological evaluation and also undergo a yearly background check.

Any teacher wishing to carry inside a school would need permission from a school district superintendent, principal and chief of police or law enforcement agency. Those would be the only individuals that would know a teacher is carrying a weapon as that weapon has to be worn concealed or be secured if not being worn at the time. Opponents point out that parents would not know whether their child’s teacher was carrying a gun in class. Those in favor of the bill say that it will make children safer in schools as a potential school shooter will not know whether there are teachers armed inside the school. Many schools now have armed school resource officers in place already.

This bill now heads to Governor Bill Lee’s desk. If he vetoes the bill, the house leaders say they have the votes to override a veto. It’s worth noting that Lee has never used his veto power since he’s been in office.