Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed a new law that will allow teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds. Lee, a Republican, expressed his support for the legislation the day before it was signed. The new law was designed to give school districts the option to use tools to keep children safe. Under the law, parents and other teachers will not be informed about who is armed at their schools. Those who wish to carry guns must have a handgun carry permit, written authorization from the principal and local law enforcement, pass a background check, and undergo 40 hours of handgun training. They will not be allowed to carry guns at school events in stadiums, gymnasiums, or auditoriums. This legislation is the largest expansion of gun access in the state since last year’s tragic shooting at a Nashville elementary school that claimed the lives of three children and three adults.
The idea of arming teachers gained support inside the General Assembly despite opposition from gun control advocates and families. Protesters filled the Capitol during the final vote, chanting “Blood on your hands.” Opponents of the bill criticized Republican lawmakers after the vote, with House Speaker Cameron Sexton ordering the galleries cleared. Despite the Governor’s initial request to keep guns away from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others, the Republican supermajority ignored this call. Many Covenant families had met with Lee and lawmakers in hopes of persuading them to abandon the idea of arming teachers. In the final days of the legislative session, these families collected nearly 4,300 signatures from Tennesseans who were against public school staff carrying weapons on school grounds. Although there may be disagreements about the best course of action, everyone ultimately wants to keep children safe.
Unlike other school districts, Metro Nashville Public Schools have expressed that they believe it is safest for only approved active-duty law enforcement to carry weapons on campus. It remains to be seen whether any school districts will choose to take advantage of this new law. The legislation is the most significant expansion of gun access in Tennessee since last year’s devastating school shooting. The bill will allow school districts to decide whether to allow teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on school grounds. It is intended to provide options for schools to enhance safety measures and protect students in the event of a threat.
The law places strict requirements on individuals who wish to carry guns in schools, including obtaining a handgun carry permit, written authorization from the principal and local law enforcement, passing a background check, and completing 40 hours of handgun training. They will not be permitted to carry weapons at certain school events such as in stadiums, gymnasiums, or auditoriums. The legislation was met with opposition from gun control advocates and families, who protested at the Capitol during the final vote. Despite these protests, the bill was passed by the Republican supermajority in the General Assembly. It is considered the largest expansion of gun access in Tennessee since the tragic school shooting last year.
While Governor Lee maintains that the legislation is necessary to give school districts additional tools to keep children safe, some school districts and community members disagree. Covenant families collected thousands of signatures in opposition to the bill, expressing concerns about the risks associated with allowing teachers and staff to carry guns on school grounds. The Governor acknowledges that there are differing opinions on the best way forward, but emphasizes that the primary goal is to ensure the safety of children. It is uncertain whether any school districts will choose to implement the new law. In the meantime, discussions continue about the impact of allowing teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns in public schools.
