Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said Thursday that he plans to sign a bill that would allow lawmakers to state the state. sent to desktop this week it would allow school employees to carry concealed handguns on school grounds.
“What’s important to me is that we’re giving districts the tools and the ability to use a tool that will keep their kids safe in their schools,” Lee said at a news conference Thursday after sharing plans to sign the legislation.
Under state law, Lee has the ability to sign the bill, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature.
The Republican governor’s endorsement comes after the Republican-controlled Tennessee House on Tuesday passed the measure along party lines, nearly a year after it passed. the shooter opened fire and killed six people at Covenant School in Nashville. The state Senate, also controlled by the GOP, passed the event earlier this month.
On Thursday, the governor emphasized the legislation’s requirements for teachers and staff who want to carry concealed handguns on school grounds. complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved school police-specific training each year. The governor noted that they should also obtain written permission from the law enforcement agencies.
“There are people in the state who are divided on the way forward,” Lee said Thursday, adding that he thinks the legislation will “give school districts the ability to decide at the local level what’s best for the schools and the kids there.” district.”
But the measure drew criticism from Democrats, such as state Rep. Bo Mitchell, who referenced Pact’s shooting during a speech on the House floor Wednesday.
“Here, shall we?” Is this how we react to the killing of teachers and children at school? Our reaction is, ‘We’re going to throw more guns at him’? What happened to us?” Mitchell said on the House floor.
Tennessee isn’t the only state to approve legislation allowing teachers to carry guns. At least 26 states have laws that allow teachers or other school personnel to carry guns on school grounds, with some exceptions. Giffords Law Centergun violence prevention group.