In Nashville, Tennessee, Republican legislators achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday regarding a proposition to authorize certain trained educators and staff, not affiliated with law enforcement, to bear firearms on educational premises. This action represents one of the state’s most notable expansions of firearm accessibility since a tragic incident at an elementary school last year.
The proposal gained approval from the Republican-controlled assembly amidst passionate outcry and protests against the legislation. Despite warnings to maintain silence, many protesters were eventually compelled to vacate the Senate galleries. Following a 26-5 Senate vote, the proposal is now poised for consideration in the House. Under the bill, the disclosure of which staff members carry firearms would be restricted to school administrators and law enforcement, excluding parents of students and fellow teachers. Consent from a principal, school district, and law enforcement agency would be necessary to permit staff to carry firearms.
Expressing her dismay, Democratic state Sen. London Lamar, cradling her eight-month-old child, remarked, “I’m distressed. My child’s safety is jeopardized by this proposal.” She emphasized that neither teachers nor anyone else desires it. Senate Speaker Randy McNally, a Republican, cleared the galleries after numerous protesters persisted in disruptive behavior despite repeated attempts to restore order. Throughout the nearly 15-minute process of evacuating the audience and resuming the debate, chants such as “Vote them out,” “No more silence, end gun violence,” and “Kill the bill, not the kids” persisted.
This impassioned debate comes approximately one year after a shooter unleashed indiscriminate gunfire at The Covenant School last March, resulting in the deaths of three children and three adults before being fatally shot by law enforcement. Despite concerted efforts following the tragedy to persuade Tennessee’s Republican-dominated legislature to enact substantial gun control measures, such appeals have largely been rebuffed.
Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike have dismissed proposals on the subject during regular and special sessions. Only a minority of GOP proponents voiced support for the bill, emphasizing that educators would not be compelled to bear arms or utilize them in active shooter scenarios. They contended that this measure could prove particularly beneficial in rural areas with limited law enforcement resources.
Republican Sen. Ken Yager asserted, “It is imperative that we scrutinize the details of the bill. Our aim is not to endanger students but to safeguard them from assailants whose sole intent is to perpetrate violence within schools.” According to Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro, “We are sending educators to acquire skills for handling combat situations, challenges that even experienced law enforcement officers find daunting. Yet we allow individuals to undertake this with just a week’s worth of training.” Several parents of Covenant School students observed the proceedings with opposition to the bill.
Expressing her disappointment, Mary Joyce, a parent from Covenant, remarked, “As a mother, I find this incredibly disheartening. Today’s events were profoundly disappointing, and we can certainly aspire to better outcomes.” Tennessee Republicans have consistently advocated for relaxed firearm regulations, including the endorsement of permitless carry for handguns in 2021.
Recently, House Republicans advanced a proposal from committee that would extend permitless carry to long guns. The initial legislation permitted individuals aged 21 and above to carry handguns publicly without a permit. However, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti reached an agreement two years later amidst an ongoing legal battle, allowing 18- to 20-year-olds to publicly carry handguns. While the bill approved on Monday has progressed through the state legislature, it must still receive approval from both the House and Senate.
In a separate development, Tennessee Republicans passed legislation last year bolstering legal protections for gun and ammunition dealers, manufacturers, and sellers. This year, they await the governor’s decision on a bill that would authorize firearms on the premises of private schools offering pre-kindergarten classes. Private schools without pre-K programs already have the discretion to permit firearms on their grounds.
Additionally, Senate Republicans advanced an amendment on Tuesday to broaden the Tennessee Constitution’s right to keep, bear, and wear arms, expanding the right beyond defense and eliminating a provision granting lawmakers the authority to regulate the wearing of arms with the aim of preventing crime. If ratified, this amendment would not appear on the ballot until 2026.