NYS Bans Teachers From Being Armed In Class [POLL]

Nestled among the package of legislation to combat gun violence just passed this week by the New York Senate was bill No. S.101A. The bill, introduced by Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat representing District 9 on the South Shore of Long Island, prevents schools with students in kindergarten through 12th grade from authorizing anyone other than a law enforcement officer, security guard or school resource officer to carry a firearm on school grounds.

The bill was approved by the Assembly as well, so it's headed for the governor's desk for a likely signature.

Both houses of the legislature are controlled by Democrats, and the bills were largely passed along party lines.

Under existing law, anyone with written permission from a New York school can carry a gun on school grounds, syracuse.com said.

The NRA has advocated for arming school teachers since the 2018 Parkland school mass shooting, and the New York Rifle and Pistol Association has said teachers — if trained — should be allowed to carry guns in schools.

President Donald Trump has said he supports arming teachers and other school employees on a volunteer basis, NPR.org said.

The other bills included in the package of legislation were to allow officials, family and household members to seek a court order requiring someone likely to harm themselves to give up firearms they may have; provide an extension of time up to up 30 days for national in-state background checks; ban on bump stocks; institute gun buybacks and permit authorities to review out-of-state mental health records.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo advocated for the gun control bills that were passed, calling them "common sense," amNY.com reported.

Sen. Rich Funke, R-Perinton, Monroe County, voted against banning teachers from carrying guns in schools.

He said there could be unintended consequences, including extending to students who belong to school-sponsored gun clubs, democratandchronicle.com said.

"The goal of the bill is to make sure teachers can't be armed, and I may or may not agree with that goal, but a bill saying that would at least be clear cut and straightforward. This one is not," Funke said.

Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, D-District 34, which covers portions of Westchester and the Bronx, voted for all the gun control bills.

"Make no mistake — I respect the 2nd Amendment, but New Yorkers will now be safer with this week's major strides on gun reform," she posted on Twitter.

Now it's your turn to weigh in. Vote in our unscientific poll and tell us what you think in the comments.

Image via Shutterstock.