Republican lawmakers in Tennessee have proposed allowing some teachers to carry handguns on public school grounds, marking a significant expansion of gun access in the state. The bill passed the GOP-controlled chamber with a 26-5 party-line Senate vote and is now ready for a House floor vote. The proposal would require the identities of armed employees to remain confidential except to school administrators and law enforcement, with the approval of the principal, school district, and law enforcement agency needed for staff to carry guns.
The proposal has faced strong opposition, with protesters disrupting the Senate session with chants and screams against the bill. Senate Speaker Randy McNally eventually cleared the galleries after protesters refused to quiet down. The emotional debate comes after a deadly shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville last March, where a shooter killed three children and three adults. Despite efforts to enact significant gun control measures, Tennessee lawmakers have largely dismissed such calls, with only a handful of GOP senators speaking in favor of the bill.
Advocates for the bill argue that arming teachers could be particularly helpful in rural counties with limited law enforcement resources. Teachers who wish to carry handguns would need a handgun carry permit, written authorization from the school’s principal and local law enforcement, pass a background check, and undergo 40 hours of handgun training. However, opponents of the bill, including parents of Covenant School students, express disappointment and concern about the safety of their children.
Tennessee Republicans have a history of easing access to guns, including passing a permitless carry law for handguns in 2021. Most recently, a proposal to expand permitless carry to long guns has been advanced by House Republicans. Additionally, a law was passed last year protecting gun and ammunition dealers, manufacturers, and sellers from lawsuits, and a bill allowing guns on private school campuses with pre-kindergarten classes is awaiting the governor’s decision. Senate Republicans have also advanced an amendment to the state constitution to broaden the right to keep and bear arms.
The debate over arming teachers in Tennessee reflects broader discussions around gun access and control in the state. While supporters argue that it could enhance school safety, opponents raise concerns about the risks of having firearms in schools and the potential for accidents or misuse. The bill’s fate now rests with the House floor vote, where lawmakers will decide whether to approve the proposal and allow some teachers to carry handguns on public school grounds in Tennessee.
