Tennessee House Republicans on Tuesday passed legislation to allow some trained teachers and school staff to carry handguns despite pleas from Democrats, students and gun-reform advocates to defeat the bill.

Dozens of protestors in the galleries began chanting “Blood on your hands” as soon as the legislation passed, prompting House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, to order state troopers to clear the galleries. Many protestors continued to chant and stomp down at lawmakers as the House floor fell into chaos over parliamentary issues.

The bill is all but guaranteed to become law within weeks, as Gov. Bill Lee can either sign it into law or allow it to become law without his signature. Lee has never vetoed a bill.

Armed teachers, who will be required to undergo training that some opponents have argued is not intensive enough, will be allowed to carry handguns in their classrooms and in most campus situations without informing parents and most of their colleagues they’re armed.

  • MushuChupacabra
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    7 months ago

    Thankfully, teachers are extremely well paid in Tennessee, so disgruntled employee with a gun scenarios will be virtually unheard of.

    • @[email protected]
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      27 months ago

      Also, this is Tennessee, so we know they will already have their own guns. It’s not as if we’re trying to demand each teacher have a full set of teeth.

    • @andros_rex
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      17 months ago

      Gotta wonder if they’re getting a hazard pay bonus…