April 25th 2024.
Recently, some news has been circulating about a bill that was passed by Tennessee's House of Representatives on April 23rd. This bill, known as HB1202/SB1321, permits trained teachers and staff members to carry concealed handguns on school premises. Interestingly, the bill also includes a provision that prohibits parents and other teachers from knowing who exactly is carrying a firearm. It is now on its way to Gov. Bill Lee's desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.
According to a report by The Associated Press, the bill received a 68-28 vote in Tennessee's House, with most members voting along party lines. The majority of Republican House members voted in favor of the bill, with only four members going against it. This decision did not sit well with members of the state's Democratic Party and the public, who expressed their disapproval by chanting "Blood on your hands" to the Republican representatives who voted for the bill.
This bill marks a significant shift from the state's response to the shooting at The Covenant School in 2023. After the incident, Governor Lee had expressed a desire to keep guns out of the hands of individuals who could pose a threat to themselves or others. The state's Republicans also rejected several proposed amendments by Democrats, including requiring parental consent, notifying others when a teacher is armed, and holding the school district liable for any harm caused by armed staff members.
Representative Justin Jones shared his thoughts on the matter, stating that he believes his Republican colleagues are too influenced by money from gun lobbyists. He described their actions as "morally insane." However, after recording on his phone during the vote, he was reprimanded by the House and prevented from speaking on the floor until April 24th.
It is worth noting that the Republican response to the shooting has not been to implement stricter gun control laws. Instead, they have been actively fighting against it, even when Governor Lee himself proposed a measure to limit the sale of guns. In fact, shortly after the shooting, Republicans passed a law that provided more protections for gun manufacturers, dealers, and sellers, in addition to allowing Pre-K and kindergarten teachers to carry guns on school campuses.
Concerned parents have also spoken out against the potential law, with a letter addressed to Representative Jones being presented by Sarah Shoop Newman, one of his aides. The letter, which had over 5,300 signatures, expressed worries about the potential risks that firearms could pose to students. It stated that individuals without extensive training, such as that provided to law enforcement officers, may not be mentally prepared to take a life, especially that of a student. The letter also noted that the proposed amendments, which were voted down, went against recommendations from NASRO and the FBI.
The letter continued, emphasizing the importance of ensuring proper security measures for every student at every school. It stated that preventative measures against gun violence are necessary to prevent tragedies like the one that occurred at The Covenant School on March 27th, 2023. Ultimately, the goal should be to create a safe environment for all students, rather than implementing inadequate security measures that could potentially put them and their teachers at risk.
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