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Tennessee House Passes Bill to Allow Trained School Staff to Carry Handguns in Schools

Issue #067

24 Apr

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

⛅️ Columbia Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 75

📰 Tennessee House Passes Bill to Allow Trained School Staff to Carry Handguns in Schools

🚧 The Drake Construction Brings Road Closures Downtown

🐞 Bug Adventure at Hidden Bee Farm

🍓 You-Pick Strawberries Now Open at Lucky Ladd Farms

 🎸 This Week’s Live Music 🎸

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

April 25th

April 26th

April 27th

April 30th

Tennessee House Passes Bill to Allow Trained School Staff to Carry Handguns in Schools

On Tuesday, Tennessee House Republicans approved legislation permitting certain trained teachers and school staff to carry handguns on campus, despite strong opposition from Democrats, students, and gun-reform advocates. Following the vote, protestors in the galleries began chanting "Blood on your hands," leading Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton to order state troopers to clear the galleries.

The bill, which is expected to become law soon, allows trained teachers to carry concealed handguns in classrooms and most other areas of school campuses without notifying parents or most other staff members. However, the school's director, the principal, and the head of the relevant law enforcement agency must approve each staff member's authorization to carry a weapon, offering a measure of oversight. Teachers carrying handguns will be required to undergo criminal and mental health background checks, but some critics argue that the training requirements are not sufficiently rigorous.

Republicans rejected multiple Democratic attempts to amend the bill, including proposals to require teachers to secure their handguns when not in use, hold them liable for misuse of their weapons on campus, and notify parents when handguns are present at school.

Democrats criticized the legislation, expressing concerns that it might not effectively prevent school shootings and could lead to unintended consequences, such as a teacher accidentally leaving a gun unattended or using excessive force in disciplinary situations.

Proponents of the bill argue that armed teachers can enhance school security, particularly in rural areas with limited law enforcement resources and longer response times. Tennessee's 2023 General Assembly funded school resource officer positions for all state schools, but staffing shortages have left nearly 600 schools without an SRO. This bill could provide an alternative security solution.

The legislation builds on a 2016 law that allowed certain economically distressed counties to opt into a teacher handgun carry program. Supporters, including state Rep. Ryan Williams, emphasize that the bill is permissive, meaning schools are not required to permit guns on campus. However, Williams noted that schools that opt out may be perceived as less secure, suggesting that schools with strict "gun-free" policies could become targets for those seeking to cause harm.

The bill is expected to reach Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee for approval or to become law without his signature, given that he has never vetoed a bill.

The Drake Construction Brings Road Closures Downtown

Road Ahead Closed

Columbia will start road closures for utility work tied to The Drake development at Woodland Street and East 7th Street.

Affected streets and closure dates:

– North Glade Street between East 6th and East 7th Street (April 22 – October 31)

– East 7th Street between Woodland Street and North Glade Street (April 22 – May 4)

– Woodland Street between East 6th Street and East 7th Street (May 6 – May 17)

Bug Adventure at Hidden Bee Farm

The Hidden Bee Farm’s Bug Exploration is just around the corner. Get ready to meet a variety of amazing bugs, including worms, small Dubia roaches, mealworms, a jumping spider and more. Plus, for the daring, we even have a tarantula!

This day is designed to be fun and educational for all, including children with special needs. Don't miss your chance to dive into the world of these fascinating creatures.

753 Carters Creek Pike, Columbia, TN
10AM-12PM
Cost: $35.00 per child
Ages: 5 to 12

You-Pick Strawberries Now Open at Lucky Ladd Farms

You-pick strawberries is now open at Lucky Ladd Farms! Field access only available to Farm Park ticket holders and season pass members. Strawberries are $5/lb. Open 10am-6pm Friday and Saturday, and 12-6pm on Sunday. No pre-picked currently available.

🎸 This Week’s Live Music 🎸

Credit: Experience Maury County (Facebook)