Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced on Thursday his intention to sign a bill passed by state legislators that would permit school staff members to carry concealed handguns on school premises.
During a press conference, Governor Lee emphasized the importance of providing districts with tools and options to enhance school safety. He plans to sign the legislation, which allows districts to decide locally what measures are best for their schools.
The bill, which passed the Republican-controlled state House and Senate, mandates that staff undergo 40 hours of specialized training annually for school policing and obtain written approval from law enforcement to carry concealed weapons on school grounds.
However, critics like Democratic state Rep. Bo Mitchell voiced concerns, referencing a previous school shooting in Nashville and questioning the wisdom of responding to such tragedies by increasing access to firearms.
Tennessee joins a number of other states where laws allow teachers or school staff to carry guns on school premises under certain conditions.
