The Tennessee state Senate approved a measure allowing teachers and staff in public schools to carry concealed firearms in classrooms after meeting strict criteria, including passing background checks and completing training. The bill, SB 1325, now awaits consideration in the House, where a similar bill, HB 1202, has been pending since the previous year, The Post Millennial reports.

According to the legislation, educators seeking to carry concealed firearms must obtain written authorization from the Local Education Agency’s director of schools and the school principal. Additionally, they must provide biometric data, pass thorough background checks, and be certified by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist to ensure they are mentally fit to carry a concealed handgun on school premises.

Those meeting these requirements must undergo at least 40 hours of yearly training specific to school policing, including hands-on instruction with law enforcement. The bill also shields law enforcement agencies from liability claims arising solely from faculty or staff members’ use or non-use of handguns.

While proponents argue that arming teachers is necessary in the face of increasing school shootings, critics question whether adding more firearms and turning teachers into quasi-law enforcement officers is an effective solution to the problem.