Senate Bill 1193 would give school districts the choice of whether they want to allow guns in school.
Teachers or other school staff who volunteer would need to get a concealed carry permit.
The Senate Education Committee heard hours of testimony about the bill. Senator Don White (R-41) is the primary sponsor on the bill. He says it's needed after violent incidents- including when a student went on a rampage at Franklin Regional High School last April. 22 people were stabbed.
"I just want to give them all the opportunity, as many tools as possible to protect our children," says Sen. White.
The bill would also require training for teachers who volunteer to handle a weapon. Its sponsors say its not a mandate, and the decision to arm teachers would be up to the school districts.
They expect rural school districts will take advantage of the bill, in many cases those that only receive state police protection right now.
Teachers and parents testified at the hearing.
"We are the first responders, I'm a first responder, and I believe I can make a difference, and other people like me can make a difference, if we have the proper tools and training," says teacher Mark Zilinskas.
But another teacher says she thinks more guns in schools just means more danger.
"Even with training, in that moment, the possibility of something going wrong and adding to the carnage is very real," says Kristen Bruck, who is also a member of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a gun safety group.
The Senate Education Committee will set a date to vote on the bill, most likely in the next legislative session.