Sarasota Republican's Bill Would Allow School Employees to Carry Guns

Florida teachers would be allowed to carry guns in schools if a bill filed Wednesday by Rep. Greg Steube (R—Dist. 73) passes.

HB 1097 would allow principals or district superintendents to designate school personnel who would be authorized to carry a concealed weapon or firearm.

According to the bill proposed by the Bradenton native and Sarasota resident, those employees would need to be licensed or have a concealed weapon permit.

The bill would also require school districts to place a safety officer at every school unless the principal has designated another school employee to be armed.

"I think a lot of parents and teachers understand we have a hole in our security," Steube was quoted as saying by Bay News 9. "We need to do something."

In Manatee County, each middle school, high school or cluster of elementary schools has an assigned school resource officer from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office or local police department.

Read more in Bay News 9's story.

Do you think this is the right move? Sound off in the comments section below.

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