Tennessee Private School Handgun Bill Passes House

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –

A Tennessee private school handgun bill passed on the House floor yesterday 74 to 23. The vote was split along party lines with all Republicans voting yes and all Democrats in attendance voting against the bill.

House Bill 1631 (HB1631) sponsored by Representative Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood-District 61) expands a state law that already allows K-12 private schools to make handgun carry policies for their school.

This bill grants permission for private schools that serve PreK-12 to do the same.

Bulso had previously attempted to have similar legislation passed during 2023’s special session on gun safety following the tragedy at the Covenant School in Nashville.

During the August session, his bill passed on first consideration in the House but the Senate declined to take action to further the bill.

The corresponding Senate Bill 1708 (SB1708) sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28) was referred to the Senate Education Committee on January 22nd and has yet to be scheduled to be heard.

About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. 

You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.