Nashville, Tennessee – The state legislature in Tennessee approved a controversial measure on Tuesday that would permit school staff to carry concealed handguns on school premises. This decision comes in the wake of a previous school shooting incident in Nashville, where six individuals tragically lost their lives. The bill has now been sent to the governor for final approval.
The legislation to allow concealed carry on school grounds was passed by a 68-28 vote in the Tennessee House, with some Republicans crossing party lines to oppose the measure. The state Senate, also under GOP control, had previously approved the bill earlier this month.
Supporters of the bill, like Republican state Rep. Ryan Williams, argue that this move will enhance school safety by acting as a deterrent against potential threats. However, critics, including Democratic state Rep. Bo Mitchell, have expressed concerns, particularly in light of the tragic shooting incident at Covenant School in Nashville last year.
The bill stipulates that faculty and staff members opting to carry concealed handguns on school premises must undergo a minimum of 40 hours of specialized training related to school policing each year. The presence of protesters in the gallery during the legislative proceedings highlighted the contentious nature of the issue, with chants condemning the decision.
State Sen. Paul Bailey, a Republican who sponsored the bill in the Senate, did not provide immediate comments following the passage of the measure. The final decision now rests with Republican Governor Bill Lee, who can either sign the bill into law or choose not to sign it, allowing it to pass without his endorsement.
Tennessee joins a growing number of states that have enacted similar legislation permitting teachers and school employees to carry guns on school grounds. According to the Giffords Law Center, at least 26 states have laws in place allowing for concealed carry in schools, with certain exceptions and regulations. This move has sparked ongoing debate regarding the most effective ways to ensure school safety and prevent tragic incidents like school shootings.