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School Security Bill Advancing in Tennessee Legislature

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Teachers in Tennessee with prior law enforcement experience would be allowed to carry a gun at school under a proposal that's advancing in the state legislature.

The measure passed the House Education Committee Tuesday.  The companion bill was approved in the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

The proposal allows schools to hire retired law enforcement officers after they meet certain requirements, such as completing a 40-hour school security course. Police officers are typically required to have about 400 hours of training.

Supporters say it provides an option for financially strapped schools, particularly those in rural areas.

Whitney grew up listening to Car Talk to and from her family’s beach vacation each year, but it wasn’t until a friend introduced her to This American Life that radio really grabbed her attention. She is a recent graduate from Union University in Jackson, Tenn., where she studied journalism. When she’s not at WKMS, you can find her working on her backyard compost pile and garden, getting lost on her bicycle or crocheting one massive blanket.
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