The Tennessee State Senate approved a measure to allow teachers to carry concealed handguns on Tuesday.
S.B. 1325, if passed, would apply to K-12 public school campuses.
The proposal passed through the Republican-controlled Senate with a 26-5 vote amid screaming and shouting by protesters inside the galleries. Lt. Gov. Randy McNally has ordered the Senate gallery to be cleared of spectators after several outbursts and a warning from McNally as senators debate a measure that would allow Tennessee teachers to carry concealed firearms inside classrooms. pic.twitter.com/gPapJ5ElA7 As they were being removed, spectators chanted:
— Vivian Jones (@Vivian_E_Jones) April 9, 2024
“Vote them out!”
“No more silence, end gun violence!”
“What do we want? Gun control! When do we want it? Now!”
One yelled: “I want to teach in safety!” pic.twitter.com/6H9y4lZXuP
— Vivian Jones (@Vivian_E_Jones) April 9, 2024
According to a report from the Associated Press, "The bill would bar disclosing which employees are carrying guns beyond school administrators and police, including to parents of students and even other teachers. A principal, school district and law enforcement agency would have to agree to let staff carry guns."
Employees wanting to carry a weapon must pass a background check and psychiatric evaluation. Additionally, they must complete 40 hours of basic training for school policing and 40 hours of Peace Officer’s Standards and Training.
Democrat State Senate London Lamar spoke on the floor in opposition to the bill while holding her eight-month-old son.
“I’m upset. My child is at risk under this bill,” said Sen. Lamar. “This bill is dangerous and teachers don’t want it. Nobody wants it.” 🗣️ @SenatorLamar: “Teachers don’t even want this. This bill is dangerous... look at that gallery. Those mothers are asking you not to do this.”
With a baby in her arms. Powerful. But every Senate Republican voted yes anyway, as troopers dragged out the moms above. pic.twitter.com/1AnWOKeOKH
— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) April 10, 2024
Those who support the legislation have argued that the bill will have a considerable impact in rural areas with limited police capabilities.
Republican Sen. Ken Yager argued, “It’s time that we look at the facts of the bill, that we are not trying to shoot a student, but protect a student from an active shooter whose sole purpose is to get into that school and kill people.”
The bill is now moving to a House floor vote.
