Bill would allow trained teachers to carry guns in Tennessee schools

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A bill that would allow a select group of teachers to carry guns on public school campuses in Tennessee has passed its first hurdle in the state legislature.

Both sides of that controversial bill are trying hard to make their case, but lawmakers say it has a good chance of passing.

There’s no middle ground it seems in the debate about arming public school teachers.

State Senator Todd Gardenhire says “Its strictly permissive, first of all. It doesn’t mean every teacher is going to be armed.”

Sen. Gardenhire believes the best way to keep students safe is with well-trained, certified staff members having access to weapons.

A Tennessee state law passed three years ago already allows any employee of a state college or university with a permit, a clean record and over 21 to legally carry a firearm.

For now, that does not include public schools.

“But I think that’s coming…

John Martin of Shooter’s Depot says “You give it time ..3 or 4 years..I think we’ll have armed teachers on school property in the state of Tennessee.” .

Martin runs the second largest hand gun safety training program in the state. He cites recent incidents where armed assailants attacked schools at will.

“I AM THRILLED at the legislature of the state of Tennessee ..the people that we’ve elected are bold enough,. courageous enough, and to extend that right to our children if they are allowed the professors that want to carry.”

But Hamilton county superintendent Bryan Johnson says that in a recent informal poll, 70% of the Teachers were opposed to the idea of arming certain staff and faculty.

He is also against the idea.

Sen. Gardenhire says protecting children in a school is a different issue than what law enforcement does.

“This post certification and the 40 hours of extended education will train a teacher or somebody carrying a gun on premises to not respond to it but to protect.”

Governor Bill Haslam, while conceding that expense is a big issue, believes that having more SRO’s in school would be a better way to solve the security issues.

There are only 865 for the state’s one million students.