Tennessee Senate Passes Private School Handgun Bill

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

The Tennessee Senate has passed legislation that will expand current handgun policies for private schools in the state.

Currently, state law allows private schools serving students in grades K through 12 to adopt their own policies regarding handguns on school property. The new legislation will expand that to include schools that serve students in grades Pre-K through 12.

Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28) is the sponsor of Senate Bill 1708 (SB1708). The Senate voted to substitute and conform to companion House Bill 1631 (HB1631), sponsored by Representative Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood-District 61).

With no discussion on the legislation, the Senate moved quickly into a vote. The bill passed the Senate with 26 ayes and 5 nays.

HB1631 already passed on the House Floor with a 74-23 vote. The bill will move on to the Governor to await his action.