School Deaths To Spark Gun Debate In SD Legislature

The deadly school shooting in Connecticut has prompted a South Dakota legislator to begin drafting a bill that would allow teachers, administrators and even janitors with concealed weapons permits to bring their guns to school.

Rep. Betty Olson, a Republican from Prairie City, tells The Associated Press that she feels fewer people would have been killed in Newtown, Conn., had someone inside the school been armed. Twenty-six people, including 20 children ages 6 and 7, were shot to death in the Friday rampage.

Olson's suggestion will be met with debate.  Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Angie Buhl says she welcomes a "much-needed conversation about gun safety" but says she thinks there should be fewer guns rather than more. She also questions how gun-carrying school personnel would be trained.