House passes bill allowing teachers to carry concealed weapons

JACKSON — The Mississippi House has passed a bill that would allow school boards to arm teachers with concealed weapons.

House Bill 958 would let boards create policies authorizing employees, including cafeteria workers and janitors, carry concealed weapons on campus. A previous version of the bill limited the number of employees with weapons at each school, but the bill passed provides no limit.

Republican Rep. Bubba Carpenter of Burnsville told The Associated Press he expects fewer than 10 school districts to arm employees.

Democratic Rep. David Myers of McComb spoke against the bill, saying it would put a “huge burden” on those carrying weapons.

The bill was held for more possible debate before it goes to the Senate.

The House rejected an amendment to require psychological evaluations of those carrying the weapons.