Following a deadly school shooting in Nashville last year, the Republican-led Legislature in Tennessee has passed legislation that would grant public school teachers the ability to carry concealed guns into the classroom. This move comes amidst a national debate on public safety and gun policies, with various states taking differing approaches to address gun violence.
The new measures in Tennessee include allowing retired law officers to bring guns into schools and prohibiting local extreme-risk-protection ordinances. These bills are now awaiting approval from Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who has previously advocated for statewide extreme risk protection orders.
Under the new legislation, teachers and staff in public schools would need to obtain a permit to carry a handgun, pass a background check, receive mental health clearance, and complete 40 hours of training in basic school policing. They would also require written authorization from the school's principal and local law enforcement.
Similar measures have been passed in other states, with about half of U.S. states already permitting teachers or school employees with concealed carry permits to bring guns onto school property. Iowa and Nebraska recently signed laws expanding the potential for armed personnel in schools, while Democratic-led states like Colorado, Maine, and Vermont are moving towards imposing greater firearm restrictions.
In addition to allowing teachers to carry guns, Tennessee has also passed other pro-gun bills this year, including expanding private school gun provisions to preschools, requiring firearm safety instruction in schools, and prohibiting financial institutions from requiring special tracking codes for retail firearm sales.
On the other hand, Democratic-led states are focusing on gun control measures, such as imposing waiting periods for gun purchases, expanding background checks, and banning devices that convert firearms into rapid-firing weapons. The debate over gun policies continues to be a contentious issue across the country.
