UNION CITY, TN — A controversial bill is one step closer to becoming law.
Tuesday, Tennessee lawmakers passed a measure that would allow school staff to carry concealed handguns on school grounds.
Now, the bill is heading to Governor Bill Lee's desk.
However, there are stipulations laid out in the bill.
First, top administrators would have to sign off allowing guns in their school district.
From there, teachers who wish to carry would be required to have gun permits, undergo a background check and mental health evaluation, and take 40 hours of training annually.
This bill is garnering strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
Those who oppose it believe bringing more weapons onto school campuses would not improve safety.
However, supporters of the bill say teachers being armed serves as a deterrent to anyone who wants to harm students.
Kristy Robinson’s children attend Union City Schools and she says this bill is not the solution.
“I think the answer will be to pour money into hiring more security for the schools professionally trained security. Put money in some mental health counseling at the schools that the kids and parents can easily access and things of that nature, but I don't think this is the answer,” Robinson says.
Another concern of Robinson's is the anonymity.
Under this legislation, parents would not be told whether their school opted into the program, or which teachers are armed.
“I personally know that there was two teachers who had mental breakdowns while teaching during the day. I mean, I know this for a fact. So yes, I am. I'm more afraid for my kids,” says Robinson.
Union City Schools Superintendent Wes Kennedy says, “We are blessed with great SROs and a local police department and I have made it clear that I will not sign off on any school personnel to carry.”
Weakley and Obion County Schools did not respond to the request for comment.
Governor Bill Lee has indicated he supports the idea of the legislation, though he says it's, "very dependent on the details."
