Tennessee lawmakers pass bill allowing teachers, school staff to be armed

State legislators in Tennessee passed a bill Tuesday allowing teachers and school staff in the state to be armed.

The bill, according to the summary, authorizes a faculty or staff member of a school to carry a concealed handgun on school grounds subject to certain conditions:

• Get written authorization from the superintendent, principal and the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency

• Complete 40 hours of basic training in school policing and 40 hours of Peace Officer’s Standards and Training commission-approved training that is specific to school policing each year at the educator’s expense

The bill now heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Bill Lee. If he does not veto it, the bill becomes law with or without his signature.

Related article Tennessee teachers would be allowed to carry concealed handguns at K-12 schools under a bill just passed by the state Senate

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