SD Senate Panel Approves Bill On Arming Teachers

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

The Senate State Affairs Committee voted 5-4 Friday to send the bill to the full Senate. The measure was passed earlier by the House.

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

The Senate committee rejected a proposal that would have scrapped the original bill and instead set up a task force to study issues surrounding school safety.