State Senator Wants Teachers Armed

A Tennessee state lawmaker is renewing his bill to allow teachers to carry their weapons in classrooms. Knoxville Republican Senator Stacey Campfield has had similar bills in the past, but he feels there now has been a “wake up call” with the Connecticut shootings. His measure, which has failed in previous attempts to move it through the Tennessee General Assembly, is still being worked on, but Senator Campfield plans for it to allow teachers and staff with handgun carry permits, with proper training, to bring their weapons to school. Similar bills from state Senator Stacey Campfield have failed in past years, and he’ll likely face opposition from leadership in his own party, like Republican Governor Bill Haslam. Opposition is also likely to come from most school districts, teacher groups and various business interests. East Tennessee Senator Frank Nicely is also proposing a similar bill.