Tennessee passes law to allow teachers to carry guns in schools

Tennessee lawmakers on Tuesday approved a measure that would allow school employees to carry concealed weapons on school grounds, sending the bill to the governor a year after a gunman opened fire and killed six people at a Nashville school.

The Tennessee House approved the legislation in a 68-28 votes. The state Senate, which is also controlled by the Republican Party, passed the measure earlier this month.

Protesters could be heard in the gallery chanting “Blood on their hands” during Tuesday’s proceedings.

State Rep. Ryan Williams, a Republican sponsor of the House bill, and State Sen. Paul Bailey, a Republican who sponsored the bill in the upper chamber, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday.

A spokesperson for Republican Gov. Bill Lee did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether he planned to sign the measure into law.

Under the legislation, teachers and staff who wish to carry a concealed weapon on school grounds would need to complete a minimum of 40 hours of approved training specific to school policing each year.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.