Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a new law allowing teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds. The legislation, which becomes effective immediately, requires principals, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to agree before staff can carry guns. Those wanting to carry handguns must have a permit, written authorization, clear a background check, and undergo 40 hours of training. The new law comes in response to last year’s deadly shooting at a Nashville elementary school. Gun control advocates and families opposed to the bill protested at the Capitol during the final vote.
The bill allows for the biggest expansion of gun access in the state, despite initial calls from Lee to keep guns away from those deemed dangerous. Many families, including Covenant families, collected thousands of signatures against arming teachers and staff. However, the Republican supermajority pushed the bill through, ignoring concerns.
Some school districts, like Metro Nashville Public Schools, do not plan to take advantage of the new law. They believe having only approved active-duty law enforcement carry weapons on campus is safest. While some support the new law as a way to increase school safety, others view it as a controversial and concerning development. The law will give districts the option to arm school staff, but it remains to be seen how many will choose to do so.
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