NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Protesters chanted “Blood on your hands” at Tennessee House Republicans on Tuesday after they passed a bill that would allow some teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on public school grounds, and bar parents and other teachers from knowing who was armed.
The 68-28 vote in favor of the bill sent it to Republican Gov. Bill Lee for consideration. If he signs it into law, it would be the biggest expansion of gun access in the state since last year’s deadly shooting at a private elementary school in Nashville.
Members of the public who oppose the bill harangued Republican lawmakers after the vote, leading House Speaker Cameron Sexton to order the galleries cleared.
Four House Republicans and all Democrats opposed the bill, which the state Senate previously passed. The measure would bar disclosing which employees are carrying guns beyond school administrators and police, including to students’ parents and even other teachers. A principal, school district and law enforcement agency would have to agree to let staff carry guns.
Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad lead Rangers to 4
Rwandans honor fallen politicians as genocide commemoration week ends
China's industrial recovery gaining steam despite profits dip
Chinese, Australian FMs hold strategic dialogue
Activists interrupt Chinese ambassador's Harvard speech — Radio Free Asia
Feature: Return of Chinese tourists contributes to Egypt's tourism rebound
High heat harms cocoa production in Cote d'Ivoire
Chinese, Australian FMs hold strategic dialogue
Tensions simmer near a shoal both China and the Philippines claim — Radio Free Asia
Flight path adjusted for aviation safety
Judge OKs phone surveys of jury pool for man charged in 4 University of Idaho student deaths
2024 Two Oceans Marathon held in Cape Town