Representative defends concealed carry bill amidst public disapproval
JACKSON, Tenn. — A bill was passed in the senate on April 9th despite many individuals who came to the state capitol in protest, arguing that they fear for the safety of their children.
The new bill would allow some teachers and staff in public schools to carry concealed handguns.
We talked to a local representative to hear their side and why they support this bill.
“The best way to stop a bad guy is to have a good guy with a gun,” said Republican Tennessee Representative for District 73, Chris Todd.
Rep. Todd says it’s plain and simple and it’s for the ultimate safety of the children.
The bill lays out specific conditions before any school employee could be able to carry a concealed handgun on a school campus.
The staff member would have to obtain a handgun permit, complete 40 hours of certified training in school policing at their own expense, and pass a mental health evaluation and an FBI background check.
Rep. Todd says that teachers aren’t they only staff members who would be able to carry a concealed handgun under this new bill.
“It’s not necessarily teachers, this could be any staff member anyone that the school system and the school itself believe can meet the requirements and then wants to do this. This is not requiring any to do this this is certainly voluntary,” said Rep. Todd.
A local district and law enforcement agency would have to agree to pursue such a policy.
“People that are already on the ground, that are already in the school building day in and day out that have the proper training and have the ability under the law to carry a firearm concealed to be able to protect kids in case of something really bad happening. It just gives it just gives the extra support to law enforcement,” said Rep. Todd.
The legislation still awaits a vote by the full house.
If the bill passes, Tennessee will be on the verge of enacting a law that some teachers and parents oppose.
We did reach out to school districts in area regarding this topic, but they did not wish to comment at this time.
You can track the bill’s status on the General Assembly’s website.
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