Republican lawmakers in Tennessee have taken a significant step towards allowing some teachers to carry handguns in public schools. The Republican-controlled Senate voted 26-5 to pass Senate Bill 1325, which permits teachers or faculty members meeting specific requirements to possess and carry a handgun or firearm on school grounds.
In order to carry a handgun, individuals must hold a handgun carry permit, obtain written authorization from both the school's principal and local law enforcement, and complete 40 hours of handgun training. Additionally, they must not be prohibited from purchasing, possessing, and carrying a handgun under Tennessee or federal law, as determined by a background check.
The bill was prompted by a tragic shooting incident at The Covenant School in Nashville last year, where three children and three adults lost their lives. However, the bill does not mandate teachers to be armed or to use their weapons in an active-shooter situation. It also restricts the disclosure of information regarding armed employees to school administrators and police, keeping this information confidential from parents and other teachers.
Proponents of the bill argue that arming teachers and faculty could provide a more immediate response to a shooting situation, especially in rural areas with limited law enforcement resources. Republican Sen. Ken Yager emphasized the importance of protecting students from active shooters, rather than harming them.
The proposal will now proceed to a House floor vote, despite facing opposition from critics who protested during the Senate session. The bill's opponents expressed concerns about the safety and effectiveness of arming teachers, with some arguing that teachers themselves do not support the measure.
This development comes amid broader efforts by Tennessee Republicans to relax gun laws, including allowing permitless carry for handguns in 2021. The state has also considered expanding permitless carry laws to include long guns, with recent legislative approvals for private schools to have guns on campus.
Furthermore, Senate Republicans have advanced an amendment to broaden the Tennessee Constitution's 'right to keep, bear, and wear arms' beyond defense. If approved, this amendment would not appear on the ballot until 2026. Last year, Tennessee Republicans passed a law enhancing protections for gun and ammunition dealers, manufacturers, and sellers against lawsuits.
