Tennessee House Republicans faced backlash from protesters after passing a bill allowing some teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds. The bill would also prevent parents and other teachers from knowing who is armed, with only school administrators and police having access to this information. The vote in favor of the bill highlights a significant expansion of gun access in the state since a deadly shooting at a private elementary school in Nashville last year. The bill now awaits Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s consideration, and if signed into law, it would mark a major shift in gun policy in Tennessee.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Ryan Williams, argued that allowing staff to carry guns in schools would create a deterrent against potential shootings. However, Democrats raised concerns about the lack of parental consent requirements, notification about armed staff, and civil liability in case of any incidents related to staff carrying guns. The proposal represents a departure from Lee’s previous stance on keeping guns away from those deemed dangerous, highlighting the contrasting responses to the issue of gun control in the state legislature.
Despite opposition from Democrats, the bill passed in the House with a 68-28 vote, with four House Republicans and all Democrats voting against it. Following the vote, tensions rose as protesters confronted Republican lawmakers, leading to chaos in the House chamber. Lawmakers accused each other of violating rules, with Democratic Rep. Justin Jones facing reprimand for recording on his phone. The passage of the bill reflects a deep divide on gun policy between Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Tennessee.
If the bill becomes law, it remains uncertain if school districts will opt to take advantage of the new policy. Some districts, like Metro Nashville Public Schools, believe that only active-duty law enforcement should carry weapons on campus for safety reasons. The bill would require school staff seeking to carry handguns to meet specific requirements, including holding a handgun carry permit, obtaining written authorization from the school principal and law enforcement, passing a background check, and completing 40 hours of handgun training.
Tennessee Republicans have a history of loosening gun laws, with previous legislation allowing permit-less carry for handguns and extending eligibility to younger age groups. In response to the shooting at The Covenant School in 2023, lawmakers have passed laws providing protections to gun and ammunition dealers, manufacturers, and sellers, while also allowing private schools to have guns on campus. The passage of the recent bill marks a continuation of the state’s trend towards broader gun access and rights, sparking debate and division among lawmakers and the public on the issue of gun control in Tennessee.
In conclusion, the passage of the bill allowing some teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns in Tennessee public schools highlights the ongoing debate over gun control in the state. Republican lawmakers faced criticism from protesters and opposition from Democrats, prompting a contentious legislative process. The bill’s potential impact on school safety, individual rights, and liability remains a subject of concern and scrutiny. As the legislation awaits Governor Lee’s decision, Tennessee’s approach to gun policy continues to evolve, shaping the state’s response to issues of public safety and Second Amendment rights.
