Rome Reporter

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones of Georgia is throwing his support behind a proposal to offer public school teachers a $10,000 annual stipend for voluntary firearms training and carrying weapons in schools. The move comes as part of a broader effort to enhance school security and protect students in the wake of mass shootings.

The proposal, which is set to be introduced in Georgia's 2024 legislative session, is structured as an "opt-in" program, allowing both teachers and schools the choice to participate. Before teachers are permitted to carry firearms, school systems must endorse a firearm training program, and the decision for teachers' participation would rest with local school boards.

Lt. Gov. Jones believes that providing teachers with the option to carry firearms could lead to cost savings on security personnel and improve overall readiness for emergency situations in schools. State Sen. Max Burns, a Republican from Sylvania, echoed this sentiment, pointing out that arming more teachers could potentially reduce the reliance on costly security officers, who typically have an annual expenditure of around $80,000.

Alabama Local reported that Lt. Governor Jones said at a community event: "It’s sad, but it is the sign of the times that we have to go to these lengths to protect our children, but it’s just where we are."

The proposal has gained attention as the United States continues to grapple with the issue of school shootings. According to a Fox News report, the 2020-21 school year saw 93 school shootings, the highest number in about two decades, resulting in 43 fatalities and 50 injuries, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics.

If the proposal is enacted, Georgia would join approximately 30 other states that have already implemented laws allowing school employees to carry guns. The first state to permit this was South Dakota in 2013, following the tragic Sandy Hook shooting. However, it is worth noting that 16 states, as well as the District of Columbia, explicitly prohibit teachers from carrying firearms.

In addition to the stipend for teachers, Lt. Gov. Jones also intends to increase funding for public safety officers, further bolstering school security measures. The aim is to create a safer environment for students and ensure that schools are well-prepared to respond to emergency situations.

Governor Kemp has already taken steps to address school security in Georgia. This year, he enacted a law mandating annual active shooter drills in schools, involving teachers and students. Lawmakers have also allocated around $200 million for school security grants since 2019.

As the debate over school safety continues, Lt. Gov. Jones' proposal to incentivize teachers to carry firearms is likely to spark further discussion and consideration among lawmakers in Georgia.