KY House Rep files bill to allow guns in schools

Frankfort, Ky.–House District 61 Representative Savannah Maddox (R-Boone, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton) recently filed House Bill 138, “an act relating to concealed deadly weapons,” in the Kentucky State Legislature.

The bill would repeal portions of existing laws that restrict the carrying of firearms in schools, local government buildings, and even airports outside of TSA-controlled areas.

According to the bill summary filed with the Legislature, it would:

Repeal KRS 237.115, which interprets the application of the license to carry concealed deadly weapon statute as permitting postsecondary facilities, local governments, and units of state government to limit concealed carry in governmental buildings; amend various KRS sections to conform; amend KRS 237.110 to no longer prohibit the carrying of concealed deadly weapons in schools and specify that the prohibition of carrying concealed deadly weapons in airports is limited to areas controlled by TSA; amend KRS 527.070 to add persons with valid licenses to carry concealed deadly weapons to the list of those permitted to possess weapons in schools.

There are several arguments for and against allowing guns in schools.

Arguments for:

• Allowing guns in schools may deter potential shooters, as they would know that there is a possibility that someone on campus could be armed and able to defend against them.
• In the event of an active shooter situation, having armed personnel on campus could potentially save lives by being able to respond quickly and effectively.
• Proponents of gun rights argue that individuals have the right to self-defense and should be able to exercise this right wherever they are, including in schools.

Arguments against:

• Allowing guns in schools could lead to accidental shootings, especially if the guns are in the hands of inexperienced users.
• The presence of guns in schools could create an environment of fear and mistrust, particularly among students who may feel unsafe knowing that there are firearms on campus.
• Some argue that the answer to gun violence in schools is not to introduce more guns, but rather to address the root causes of violence and address issues such as mental health, poverty, and access to guns.

It’s not yet clear if the bills has the votes to pass. The GOP has a veto-proof supermajority in both chambers.

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