A bill that would have allowed the arming of certain teachers in Tennessee was killed Tuesday.
The House Education Administration & Planning Committee defeated the measure proposed by Rep. David Byrd on a voice vote after a round of debate, The Tennessean reports.
One legislator complained that the proposal could open the schools up to lawsuits, while another said it was too hastily drawn up.
Meanwhile, the newspaper reports, another proposal allowing armed, off-duty law enforcement officers to provide security in schools is advancing in the House with bipartisan support.
That measure would allow off-duty law enforcement to provide school security, with sheriff's deputies and police officers and others with Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission certification to fill the roles.
Lawmakers across the country have been wrestling with increased school security in the wake of the Feb. 14 massacre at a Florida high school in which 17 children and adults were shot dead.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.