The Florida House of Representatives has passed a bill that would allow full-time teachers in the state to keep firearms in their classrooms, aiming to prevent another massacre like 2018’s Parkland school shooting.
The law was passed in the state House on a vote of 65 to 47 Wednesday, putting the Republican-backed bill before Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it. A similar bill already passed through the state Senate last week.
Teachers will not be required to carry a firearm, but those who wish to do so must pass a 144 hour training course, the law stipulates. The ultimate decision for each school, however, will be made at county level.
The bill was the subject of intense debate in the Florida state House over the last two days, with opponents arguing the rule will only make classrooms more dangerous.
The law’s passage has already kicked off a social media meltdown.
Some were less serious about the matter.
One commentator suggested local school districts in Florida would not approve the measure, even if it is signed into law by the governor.
The tragic Parkland school shooting took place in Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and claimed the lives of 17 students and staff members. The massacre sparked a nationwide discussion about how to prevent future shootings, from which the proposal to arm teachers emerged.
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