Controversial Bill To Arm Teachers Moves Forward In Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WCBI) – Arming teachers has been a hot topic across the US after Florida’s deadly high school shooting.

Lawmakers in Alabama are a step closer to making that happen, but not without a close call.

The House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee voted 5-4 on a bill to allow select teachers to carry firearms in schools.

The bill is written to where school districts designate who can carry or access handguns and rifles. With this bill, parents wouldn’t know which teachers were carrying guns.

The idea is nothing short of controversy in the Alabama House.

Republican Representative Will Ainsworth, who sponsors the bill, says not all schools can afford to have paid officers on school grounds.

Meanwhile opponents say arming teachers is the wrong way to make school safety better.

The bill could get a floor vote next week.