Rating:

0.0 (0 votes)

PHOENIX - The Arizona Senate has approved a bill allowing designated teachers, administrators or other employees in rural schools carry a handgun.

The bill approved on 17-11 party-line vote Monday also allows retired police officers working in any school in the state carry a gun and now goes to the House.

Republican Sen. Rich Crandall's bill is the least sweeping of several legislative proposals to arm teachers and the one that appears most likely to become law. It applies only to rural schools with 600 students or less at least 20 miles and 30 minutes from the nearest police station that don't have a school resource officer.

Democrats say only fully trained police officers should have guns on campuses and they want more comprehensive solutions like more counselors and mental health treatment.