TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Senate passed a bill that will expand a program that allows some teachers to carry guns in schools.
The Senate passed a school safety bill 22-17 on Tuesday that makes changes to a law enacted last year after a gunman killed 17 people at a high school in Parkland.
While the bill addresses several school safety issues, the most contentious is a provision that makes all teachers eligible for the "guardian program" that allows them to carry guns in schools. Right now, only teachers that have a role outside the classroom, such as an athletic coach, can participate.
[RELATED: Florida sheriff supports arming teachers to stop school shooters | These schools say arming teachers 'can be done right' | Brevard sheriff says decision to arm teachers should be put on hold]
School districts would have to approve participation in the program and teachers would have to volunteer, undergo psychological evaluations and be trained by a sheriff's office.
Orange County Public Schools approved a resolution in March to oppose the bill allowing teachers to be armed in the classroom.