Tennessee General Assembly approves bill allowing employees to carry handguns on college campuses

Guns at school tile
Guns at school tile

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee General Assembly has passed a law that would allow teachers and other employees with handgun carry permits to be armed on the campuses of the state's public colleges and universities.

The bill, which was sponsored by Republican Rep. Andy Holt of Dresden, passed the House 69-24 Wednesday. Republican Gov. Bill Haslam has raised concerns about the measure because it didn't give the institutions the power to opt out.

The bill allows faculty and staff to carry a concealed handgun on campus if the employee has a valid handgun carry permit. However, Holt said they would be barred from bringing the weapons to stadiums or gymnasiums, hospitals, school-sponsored events or meetings where disciplinary or tenure issues are being discussed.

Upcoming Events