Republican lawmakers in Tennessee have taken a significant step towards allowing some teachers to carry handguns in public schools. The Republican-controlled Senate voted 26-5 to pass Senate Bill 1325, which permits teachers or faculty members meeting specific requirements to possess and carry a handgun or firearm on school grounds.
In order to carry a handgun, individuals must hold a handgun carry permit, obtain written authorization from both the school's principal and local law enforcement, and complete 40 hours of handgun training. Additionally, they must not be prohibited from purchasing, possessing, and carrying a handgun under Tennessee or federal law, as determined by a background check.
