Jerry Summers
The Senate division of the Tennessee General Assembly on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, passed Senate Bill 7019 by a vote of 26-5 legislation that would allow teachers and school administrators to carry a concealed firearm inside their classrooms and schools provided that they meet certain requirements similar to those required of law enforcement officers in the Volunteer State.
With Senators “Gatlingun” Gardenhire and “Wild West” Watson voting in the large majority the companion bill in the House of Representatives (HB1202) is lodged in the Civil Justice Committee and has no activity since it was introduced in August 2023.
A chaotic debate session between supporters of the bill and gun safety advocates resulted in several protesters being evicted from the House Chamber under police escort.
The unanswered question is whether the House will pass, amend, or allow the current bill to remain in committee (historically named as “The Black Hole”) and die a slow death before some compromise bill is passed and sent to the Governor for his approval, veto, or lie on his desk and become law without his signature.
(Obviously no 2024 politics will enter into any further consideration of this legislation.)
* * *
You can reach Jerry Summers at jsummers@summersfirm.com