Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced his intention on Thursday to sign a bill passed by state legislators that would permit school staff members to carry concealed handguns within school premises.
During a press conference on Thursday, Lee emphasized the importance of providing districts with the option to enhance school safety measures. He expressed his commitment to signing the legislation into law.
As per state regulations, Governor Lee, a member of the Republican Party, has the authority to either sign the bill, veto it, or let it become law without his signature.
The bill, which was predominantly supported by Republicans, was passed by the Republican-controlled state House earlier this week, nearly a year after a tragic shooting incident claimed six lives at The Covenant School in Nashville. The measure also received approval from the GOP-controlled state Senate earlier this month.
Lee underscored the bill’s stipulations, which mandate that faculty and staff members undergo a minimum of 40 hours of specialized training in school policing annually. Additionally, they must obtain written authorization from law enforcement to carry concealed handguns on school grounds.
Acknowledging dissenting opinions, Lee stated that the legislation empowers school districts to determine the best course of action for ensuring safety at the local level.
However, Democratic representatives like state Rep. Bo Mitchell criticized the bill, citing the tragic events at The Covenant School. Mitchell questioned the decision to respond to such incidents by increasing the presence of firearms in schools.
Tennessee joins a list of 26 states that have enacted similar legislation allowing teachers or school staff to possess firearms on school premises, with certain exceptions, according to the Giffords Law Center, a group dedicated to preventing gun violence.