Bill Allowing Teachers To Carry A Gun In School Passes Senate

On Tuesday, the Tennessee State Senate passed a bill that would allow teachers to carry a concealed weapon in school. Some protesters in the gallery were cleared from the senate chambers after making too much noise. Numerous protesters chanted “shame on you” at senators. After numerous warnings from Lt. Governor Randy McNally, the gallery was cleared and the senate voted passing the bill by a vote of 26-5.

As pointed out by one senator, the bill does not require teachers to be armed in schools. The bill would allow faculty or staff members of a school to carry a concealed handgun on school grounds under certain conditions. Teachers who choose to carry on school property would be required to undergo 40 hours of gun training each year as well as undergo a psychological evaluation and also pass an FBI background check.

The bill’s sponsor believes the the legislation will help schools that are having difficulty finding school resource officers, and would also serve as a deterrent to potential school shooters. The bill now heads to the house floor where it is set to be debated next week.