NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - BREAKING UPDATE: The House has passed the bill that would allow teachers to be armed in schools.
The bill was lifted from the desk during Monday’s session and was discussed during Tuesday afternoon’s session.
It will now go to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk.
Rep. Pearson speaks to people in the rotunda while lawmakers are still in session. @WSMV pic.twitter.com/DyvOqeP3Lk
— Marissa Sulek (@marissa_sulek) April 23, 2024
With the bill passing people are outside House chambers shouting “blood on their hands”, “whose house, our house”.
— Marissa Sulek (@marissa_sulek) April 23, 2024
I’m told it has also derailed on the floor with reps. @WSMV pic.twitter.com/LekeLTd3Ym
The bill to arm teachers passes.
— Marissa Sulek (@marissa_sulek) April 23, 2024
Now Speaker Sexton asks to clear the gallery as they shout. @WSMV
EARLIER: The House could vote on the bill that would allow teachers to be armed in schools as soon as Tuesday.
The bill was lifted from the desk during Monday’s unfinished business portion of the session. It will be discussed on the next available House calendar.
HB1202/SB1325 would allow people who work at schools to carry concealed guns on school property. Those who choose to do so must pass certain requirements first, including 40 hours of training and a background check.
The bill stipulates that school employees must undergo yearly background checks, psychological evaluations, and 40 hours of training to carry a concealed handgun. The school employees would also have to receive the approval of a superintendent, principal, and chief of police or law enforcement agency.
The Senate has already passed the bill. Multiple people and groups have protested the bill, including a Covenant School mom who delivered thousands of signatures to the bill’s cosponsor on Monday, asking lawmakers to vote it down.
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