News

Actions

Legislature Passes Bill To Allow Guns On Campus

Posted at 6:11 PM, Apr 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-20 19:11:58-04

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.