The Tennessee State Senate on Tuesday passed legislation to allow some teachers to be armed on public school property, but the Senate gallery needed to be cleared prior to the vote following a series of outbursts from activists opposed to the bill.
Lawmakers voted to pass SB 1325, which would allow school faculty and staff to carry concealed handguns if they obtain an enhanced handgun carry permit, complete 40 hours of school safety training annually, obtain approval from relevant school and law enforcement authorities, and are not restricted from owning firearms.
Videos posted to the social media platform X show the gallery audience interrupting lawmakers as they discussed the bill, eventually leading Lt. Governor Randy McNally to order spectators cleared.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally has ordered the Senate gallery to be cleared of spectators after several outbursts and a warning from McNally as senators debate a measure that would allow Tennessee teachers to carry concealed firearms inside classrooms. pic.twitter.com/gPapJ5ElA7
— Vivian Jones (@Vivian_E_Jones) April 9, 2024
Multiple individuals initially refused to leave the gallery, according to Tennessean reporter Rachel Wegner, who wrote to X that “Covenant mom Mary Joyce and others” were among those who did not initially clear the chamber.
Wegner reported the standoff eventually ended with the protesters leaving the Senate gallery, but two Covenant mothers were allowed to remain “with permission from Speaker McNally.”
After a call to clear the Senate gallery, multiple people have refused to leave. State troopers are urging them to go, a few blocking the aisles. Covenant mom Mary Joyce and others are waiting to see what happens. Chants and protests can be heard outside the Senate chamber. pic.twitter.com/y9d8VzFSff
— Rachel Wegner (@rachelannwegner) April 9, 2024
WSMV 4 reported that “dozens” of individuals were asked to leave following the outbursts. The outlet confirmed the protesters continued to watch lawmakers on Capitol grounds after being escorted out of the Senate gallery.
The legislation ultimately passed with 25 votes in favor and five votes against.
State Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), the bill’s original sponsor, previously predicted the bill had a high likelihood of passing due to the strenuous requirements placed on those seeking to carry firearms on school property.
“They must possess a valid handgun carry permit issued by this state, must be fingerprinted by the appropriate law enforcement agency, must pass a psychological evaluation,” Bailey explained. He added, “They must have written authorization of the chief of the appropriate law enforcement agency; they must complete a minimum of 40 hours of training specific to school policing that has been approved by Peace Officer Standards & Training Commission.”
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Georgia Star News, The Virginia Star, and the Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Protest” by Vivian Jones.
