NASHVILLE - A bill that would have allowed Tennessee school systems to arm willing staff and teachers failed in the House Education Administration and Planning Committee today.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. David Byrd, R-Waynesboro, was defeated on a voice vote.
Byrd had sought the legislation to help school systems in counties unable to afford to pay school resource officers.
"This is only for counties that do not have a SRO," Byrd told the panel.
The bill drew intense focus here following last months deadly attack on a Parkland, Fla., high school that resulted in the deaths of 17 students and faculty members.
It would have allowed educators and staff designated by local officials to carry firearms provided they had a state-issued handgun permit and 40 hours of special training.
School resource officers are trained law enforcement officers with more than 400 hours of regular police training and an additional 40 hours for dealing with situations in schools.
Contact staff writer Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550. Follow on Twitter @AndySher1.