In the final stretch of the 2024 Session of the 113th General Assembly, the focus on Capitol Hill has been on ensuring the safety of students and teachers in schools. As the session nears its end, key issues such as passing a balanced budget, revising franchise and excise tax structures, and the contentious topic of school vouchers funded by public money remain at the forefront.
One significant development from the past week was the passage of a bill in the Senate that would allow specially trained school staff to carry concealed firearms on campus. This measure aims to provide additional protection against active shooters, particularly in schools without a dedicated law enforcement presence, which are more vulnerable to potential attacks, especially in rural areas with longer law enforcement response times.
For a faculty or staff member to be authorized to carry a concealed firearm at school, they must meet stringent requirements, including approval from the principal, director of schools, and the local law enforcement chief. Additionally, they must undergo annual specialized training alongside law enforcement, pass psychological evaluations and background checks, and hold a valid Tennessee handgun carry permit.
The bill, which is permissive in nature, leaves the decision to allow armed staff members up to the discretion of school leadership and law enforcement authorities. This move is seen as a proactive step to bridge the gap in security and response capabilities in schools where immediate law enforcement intervention may not be feasible.
In a related effort to enhance safety measures, the Senate also approved legislation to penalize false reports of active shooters, commonly known as “swatting,” as a Class C felony. This measure aims to deter malicious hoaxes that trigger unnecessary law enforcement responses and endanger public safety.
Furthermore, the Senate passed a bill to elevate the punishment for threats of mass violence on school premises or at school-related events from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. The legislation includes provisions to accommodate individuals with intellectual disabilities while strengthening consequences for such threats.
Another bill that made progress last week is Senate Bill 1501, which seeks to prevent violence on school property by empowering law enforcement to intervene when students make threats. This legislation expands the scope of existing laws to encompass student threats, in addition to those made by school employees, thereby bolstering school safety protocols.
As the legislative session draws to a close, State Senator Page Walley remains committed to engaging with constituents and gathering feedback on critical issues. Looking ahead, preparations for the 2025 legislative agenda for District 26 are already underway, with a focus on addressing community needs and priorities. Senator Walley encourages constituents to reach out for assistance or