The Tennessee House of Representatives passes a controversial bill that will allow teachers to be armed with a concealed handgun in schools. 

The bill, which passed today (Tuesday), is sitting on Governor Bill Lee’s desk. There have been protest from teachers, parents and lawmakers opposed to the bill at the Capital this week and one teacher was asked to leave the gallery for shouting during the debate for the bill.

Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk says whenever any bill passes into law, that’s when they start getting more direction for what it means and what the school system requirements are and KCS will follow state law.

Knox County schools already have armed school resource officers in the buildings. 

The bill stipulates that anyone wanting to carry on school grounds would need permission from a superintendent, principal and chief of police or law enforcement agency and requires those carrying weapons undergo yearly background checks, psychological evaluations and 40 hours of training.