Public school teachers carrying guns may soon become law in Tennessee.

The Senate passed House Bill 1202 yesterday.

The bill would allow faculty or staff members of a public school to carry a concealed handgun on school grounds under certain conditions.

Teachers wishing to carry would have to undergo 40 hours of annual gun training at their own expense, in addition to receiving approval from the school director, passing a mental health evaluation, and passing an FBI background check.

The training requirements are the same as what the state requires for school resource officers

The bill will now go to the State House to be discussed on April 17, 2024.

If it passes the House, it will become law once the governor either signs it or allows it to go into law without his signature.