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MAY 2, 2024 | VOLUME 36 | NUMBER 17
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Tennessee legislature passes bill to arm teachers
State House votes yes as gun safety advocates voice opposition from the gallery Protesters unveil a banner that reads ‘This is not over see you at the polls’ during the final day of the 2024 legislative session. PHOTOS BY HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS
A protester holds a Pride flag on Feb. 26.
Protesters stage a ‘die-in’ inside of the state Capitol on April 23.
District 61 state Rep. candidtate Claire Jones yells at state Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) following a House vote passing a bill allowing teachers to carry guns.
Legislature wraps session with tax cut for businesses, no vouchers for Lee Tennessee General Assembly passes budget, legislation arming teachers and criminalizing ‘abortion trafficking’ BY NICOLLE S. PRAINO
Legislators are leaving the state Capitol Thursday after the 113th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned for the final time in 2024.
The beginning of the session was marked by discussions regarding Gov. Bill Lee’s plan for school vouchers, called the Education Freedom Scholarship Program in
the budget. Ultimately the governor took a major loss, with legislators in the House and Senate — both controlled by Lee’s fellow Republicans — unable to >> PAGE 2
BY KELSEY BEYELER A bill that will allow certain public school staff members to carry firearms is heading to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk. On Tuesday, the House passed HB1202 while several gun safety advocates looked on from the gallery. While the spectators remained quiet after warnings from House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville), they erupted after the bill passed, chanting phrases including “blood on your hands.” The gallery was cleared and protests continued outside the House chamber. The Senate passed the bill earlier this month amid a similar scene. Students and parents have protested the bill as it moved between chambers. The legislation will allow school staff who have completed certain requirements to carry concealed handguns on school grounds (though parents would not necessarily be able to know which staff members are armed). Requirements include annual training on school policing, a background check and certification from a psychologist or psychiatrist. House Democrats opposed the bill and unsuccessfully attempted to introduce several amendments addressing liability, how guns in schools should be stored and which counties can opt in. Democrats pointed to potential problems that could arise as a result of the legislation. “How is law enforcement going to feel safe going into a school knowing there are guns?” said Rep. Jason Powell (D-Nashville). “It’s going to delay responses. It is going to put law enforcement in danger. How are >> PAGE 2 we going to know who is the
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