HB 2208 Would Have Expanded a Law That Already Makes Tennessee One of a Small Minority of States That Allow Teachers and School Staff to Be Armed
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Volunteers with the Tennessee chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded members of the House Education Committee for defeating HB 2208, a dangerous guns in schools bill. HB 2208 would have allowed schools across the state to arm teachers and school personnel, drastically expanding a law that already makes Tennessee one of a small minority of states that allow teachers and other school staff to be armed. Todays’ committee vote ensures HB 2208 will not become law this session.
Over the past several months, volunteers with the Tennessee chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America worked to defeat this reckless bill. Last month, over 600 volunteers from around the state descended on the capitol and urged policymakers to prioritize gun violence prevention and oppose bills including HB 2208. This morning, dozens of volunteers who are current or former educators were in the room when HB 2208 was voted down.
More information about the risks of allowing civilians to carry guns in schools is available here.
STATEMENT FROM CAROL FRAZIER, VOLUNTEER WITH THE TENNESSEE CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Over the past few months, we worked tirelessly to make sure our elected leaders knew just how dangerous this guns in schools bill was. We’re thankful that lawmakers in Nashville listened to their constituents, educators and law enforcement and defeated this reckless proposal. Come November, we’ll remember who voted on the side of gun safety and helped defeat this bill.”