SD Senate Committee Hears Bill On Arming Teachers

A South Dakota Senate committee is looking at a bill that would allow school districts to arm teachers and other personnel with guns.

The measure was passed earlier by the House. The Senate State Affairs Committee planned to hold a public hearing on the bill Friday.

Supporters say school boards need the option of arming teachers, administrators or volunteers to protect against attacks like the recent school shooting in Connecticut.

Opponents argue that arming teachers could make schools more dangerous because it could lead to accidental shootings and put guns in the hands of people who have no extensive training in handling emergency situations.