Image: Bill sponsor Sen. Paul Bailey answers questions about SB2923 in the Senate Education Committee. Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Senate Education Committee passed a bill that would require Tennessee students in public schools and public charter schools to take an annual handgun safety course.
Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta-District 15) presented Senate Bill 2923 (SB2923) to the committee on Wednesday and explained that the legislation would expand on the existing SAVE Act (Schools Against Violence in Education) which already requires that schools provide prevention and intervention training related to severe weather, intruders, and other potential emergencies.
It would require that students learn about firearm storage, school safety, and avoiding injury if a firearm is found.
Bailey noted that all materials would be viewpoint neutral and trainings would not include any live firearms or ammunition.
When asked at what age the trainings would begin, Bailey stated that would be determined by the Department of Education but that he would assume they would be guided by the fact that children must be 9 years old to take current hunter safety courses.
Chairman Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol-District 4) stated that his only reservation with the bill was that he was concerned about the legislature mandating curriculum.
Bailey responded that they already mandate other safety trainings and that when students leave Tennessee schools, they should know about firearm safety as well.
Senator Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis-District 29) asked if students would be required to take it, to which Bailey replied that they would, just like they are required to take other safety trainings.
Lundberg called for a roll call vote. The bill passed with 8 ayes and 1 present not voting. Akbari opted to pass on the vote.
The bill has now moved forward to the Senate Calendar Committee to be scheduled for a final vote on the Senate floor.
The companion House Bill 2882 (HB2882), sponsored by Representative Chris Todd (R-Madison County-District 73), passed the chamber on a vote of 79 in favor, 12 against on February 29th of this year.
One Republican, Representative Patsy Hazlewood (R-Signal Mountain-District 27) voted against the legislation.
