Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill allowing teachers to carry concealed handguns in schools, sparking protests. The Republican-dominated House approved the bill 68-28, following the Senate’s earlier approval.
The decision comes amid heated debates on gun laws, heightened by a previous school shooting in Nashville. Democratic representatives, previously expelled for protesting, voiced strong opposition, condemning the prioritization of guns over children’s safety.
Republicans argue that armed teachers deter potential shooters, but opponents fear the risk of tragic accidents.
Approximately half of US states permit teachers to carry firearms on school premises.
The Tennessee bill mandates 40 hours of training in school policing for those wishing to carry concealed handguns, with individuals bearing the cost.
The bill ensures the anonymity of armed staff, with school leaders’ approval and law enforcement notification required. The measure reflects broader national discourse on school safety and gun control.
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