Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a controversial bill on Friday that allows teachers to carry concealed handguns in schools. The bill, known as SB 1325, permits faculty and staff members to carry firearms on school grounds if they have a handgun carry permit and written authorization from the school director, principal, and law enforcement chief. Those carrying concealed weapons must undergo extensive training, including 40 hours of basic school policing training and yearly POST commission-approved training, as well as pass background checks and psychological evaluations.
Governor Lee stated that the bill provides districts with the option to use a tool to keep children safe. The passage of SB 1325 faced opposition in the Tennessee House of Representatives, with protesters chanting and displaying signs criticizing the decision. This legislation follows a tragic shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville last year, where three students and three faculty members were killed.
Several school districts have indicated that they will wait for Governor Lee’s decision before implementing the bill, which will go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year.
