Tennessee Legislators Approve Measure Allowing Armed Teachers Following Nashville Tragedy

Tennessee House Republicans passed a bill on Tuesday that would allow certain teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds, while keeping the information about who is armed confidential from parents and other teachers.

Protesters chanted “Blood on your hands” in response to the passing of the bill.

The bill was approved with a 68-28 vote, and it has been sent to Republican Governor Bill Lee for consideration. If signed into law, it would mark a significant expansion of gun access in the state following a deadly shooting at a private elementary school in Nashville last year.

Opponents of the bill confronted Republican lawmakers after the vote, prompting House Speaker Cameron Sexton to clear the galleries.

The measure would prevent the disclosure of which employees are carrying guns to anyone beyond school administrators and police, including parents and other teachers. Permission from a principal, school district, and law enforcement agency would be required for staff to carry guns.

In response to the shooting at The Covenant School last year, the proposed bill diverges from Governor Lee’s previous stance on gun control, which aimed to keep guns away from individuals deemed dangerous.

Sponsor of the bill, Republican state Rep. Ryan Williams, emphasized the deterrent effect of allowing teachers to carry guns, stating, “Across our state, we have had challenges as it relates to shootings.”

The bill faced opposition from some lawmakers, with Democrats proposing amendments such as parental consent requirements and notification protocols. However, these were rejected by Republicans who hold the majority.

It remains uncertain if any school districts would choose to implement the law should it pass. Metro Nashville Public Schools, for example, believes it is safest for only approved active-duty law enforcement to carry weapons on campus.

About half of U.S. states allow teachers or staff with concealed carry permits to carry guns on school property in some capacity. In Iowa, a bill was recently signed to create a professional permit for trained school employees to carry guns at schools.

Following the tragic shooting at The Covenant School last year, efforts to enact significant gun control measures in Tennessee have been mostly rejected by the Republican-led Statehouse.

Under the bill passed, school workers wishing to carry handguns would need permits, written authorization from the principal and law enforcement, background checks, and 40 hours of handgun training.

Tennessee Republicans have historically worked to relax gun laws, including permit-less carry for handguns in 2021. The state has also implemented laws protecting gun dealers, manufacturers, and sellers against lawsuits, along with allowing private schools with pre-kindergarten classes to have guns on campus.

Various gun control and safety measures are under consideration in Tennessee, including legislation to involuntarily commit certain individuals for treatment and temporarily remove their gun rights, as well as to restrict gun rights for juveniles found delinquent for certain offenses.