Legislators in Tennessee approved a bill on Tuesday allowing teachers to carry weapons. One year after six people, including three children, were killed in a mass shooting at a Nashville elementary school, the law is finally headed to the governor’s desk.
Following the state Senate’s approval of the law earlier this month, the proposal was approved by the Tennessee House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon by a vote of 68 to 28, in the midst of tight security and boisterous cries of “vote them out” and “blood is on your hands” throughout the chamber.
Republican representative Justin Jones, a Democrat, stated on X on Tuesday that “Tennessee Republicans just cut off debate and passed a bill to arm teachers in our schools.”
“The public chanted ‘Blood on your hands!’ as the Speaker ordered troopers to clear the gallery. This is what fascism looks like,” the lawmaker stated.
Republicans in Tennessee recently ended the argument and passed a measure arming teachers in our schools. As the Speaker gave the order for the troops to vacate the gallery, the crowd screamed, “Blood on your hands!”
Tennessee Republicans just cut off debate and passed a bill to arm teachers in our schools.
The public chanted “Blood on your hands!” as the Speaker ordered troopers to clear the gallery.
This is what fascism looks like. pic.twitter.com/9mg67oWMxM
— Rep. Justin Jones (@brotherjones_) April 23, 2024
Under HB 1202/SB 1325, teachers who have received specialized training are permitted to carry concealed pistols without informing their parents.
The legislation to “create a deterrent” to school shootings was introduced by Republican state senator Paul Bailey and state representative Ryan Williams, but it stalled more than a year ago.
“I think we need this bill,” Williams stated. “It’s to create a deterrent. Because we all know the deterrent is the greatest value we can add at this point. It would be hard to keep our kids secure because the hearts of men are broken. It’s one of these gun-free zones where people know they can take advantage of folks.”
More than two months before the shooting at Covenant School, which claimed the lives of three 9-year-olds and three adults, the law was submitted in January 2023. According to reports, on March 27, 2023, Audrey Hale opened fire with an assault rifle, firing 152 rounds, killing six individuals. Police killed her.
Read Also: Fury Erupts Over Tennessee Republicans’ Approval of Teacher Concealed Weapon Law
House Democrats attempted, but were unable, to alter the bill so that parents might be informed if the teacher their child is studying with is armed.
The bill would require teachers who choose to carry pistols to get a background check, go through a psychological evaluation, and get written permission from their city or county’s chief law enforcement officer, principal, and superintendent.
In addition, 40 hours of training in school policing and 40 hours of training annually would be required of the teachers. Numerous school districts declared they had no intention of arming their instructors.
Gov. measure Lee of Tennessee recently told reporters that while he would carefully review the measure before signing it, he still thought it was a good idea.
