The measure is aimed at implementing recommendations by a state commission created in the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., last year that left 17 people dead. It builds on a law passed last year that included new gun restrictions, including raising the minimum age to buy a firearm, and a guardian program that permitted the arming of certain school personnel, but not teachers.
The potential arming of teachers dominated debate over the bill, which passed on a 22-17 vote Tuesday, with one Republican joining Democrats in opposing it. A companion measure in the Republican-led Florida House is awaiting a vote.
“Seconds matter when stopping an active shooter,” said Republican Senate President Bill Galvano after the bill passed. “This legislation will ensure willing school personnel, including classroom teachers, have the training and resources they need to stand as the last line of defense between an innocent child and a violent criminal assailant.”
The bill doesn’t require school districts to arm teachers, but instead authorizes local school boards to decide whether to permit the expansion of the guardian program. Any district employees who volunteer to participate would need to undergo training and background checks.
“What this bill does is provide the 67 school districts, the 67 different communities in this state, with the ability to do what they need to do to protect our kids,” said Republican Sen. Manny Diaz Jr., chair of the Senate education committee, who helped steer the legislation.
At least eight states, including Kansas and Texas, already allow some teachers or school employees to have guns or other weapons, according to the Education Commission of the States, which tracks legislation.
Opponents argued the bill could imperil students by adding more firearms on campuses and leading to dangerous mishaps. Earlier this month, hundreds of students traveled to the state Capitol to urge lawmakers to eliminate the proposal. Groups including the state teachers union and the League of Women Voters of Florida opposed it.
“Today, the Senate turned a blind eye to countless constituents who have begged them not to arm teachers,” said Gay Valimont, volunteer leader with the Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, after the bill passed.
Some aspects of the legislation drew bipartisan backing. It would increase mental-health services for students, require that schools complete a standardized risk assessment and speed up implementation of improvements to the physical security of campuses.
In January, the state commission that was formed to investigate the massacre issued a report with a list of recommendations, including that the guardian program be expanded to include teachers.
On the Senate floor Tuesday, Democratic Sen. Lauren Book, who has worked closely with Parkland students, wrestled with her decision. Despite there being “so much good in this bill,” she said she “must, at the urging of my community, vote no today.”