Mississippi authorizes school employees to carry concealed weapons

The Mississippi Senate Education Committee approved Senate Bill 2079, which would allow school employees to carry a gun. For this to happen, it must get the backing of a majority of the state House of Representatives in a vote which will be held in April.

The legislation, championed by Republican State Senator Angela Hill, would authorize employees to carry concealed weapons on school grounds, as long as they are licensed. In addition, each school district, high school, college, or university would provide first aid training and be responsible for informing staff of changes in regulations that may occur.

Gun applicants would have to renew their permit annually, in addition to having to pass a criminal background check. What will not be known is the identity of those who request approval to be armed.

This proposal has a high chance of moving forward, due to the fact that the Republican Party has a large majority in both the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives.

Public Safety Commissioner and former Senator Sean Tindell worked with Hill on the project and explained that employees who carry guns will receive training on how to contact law enforcement during a school shooting.