TAMPA BAY AREA, Fla. — Starting Tuesday schools have the ability to arm teachers.
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The senate bill that was approved in May goes into effect Tuesday.
This is an extension of the Guardian Program.
It now allows school districts to approve school employees and teachers to carry guns on campus. The school district must first vote yes and the teachers have to volunteer.
If approved, teachers will have to participate in police-like training with the sheriff’s office and go through a background check and psychiatric evaluation.
Supporters of the law say arming teachers gives districts an added tool to protect students if an attack happens.
There are several school districts across Tampa Bay that have already voted they won’t allow teachers to carry guns on campus.
Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Manatee County, and Sarasota County school districts won’t arm teachers.
The Polk County school board has not officially voted yet but the superintendent has expressed opposition.
