Tennessee Judiciary Committee Passes Bill Allowing Some Teachers to Carry Handguns in Public Schools
Tennessee Judiciary Committee passes bill allowing some teachers to carry handguns in public schools, following a deadly shooting at a private Christian elementary school in Nashville. The bill requires specific training and authorization for teachers to carry firearms on school grounds.
Key Points
- Requires teachers to have a handgun carry permit and undergo 40 hours of handgun training
- Bill does not require teachers to be armed or use their weapons in an active-shooter situation
- Information about armed teachers would be withheld from parents and students
Pros
- Potential immediate response force to shooting situations
- Could be helpful in rural counties with limited law enforcement resources
Cons
- Critics argue the bill is dangerous and unwanted by teachers
- Protesters in the Senate galleries voiced opposition