UPDATE: Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Friday signed a bill into law allowing educators in public schools across the state to carry in the classroom.

The governor’s signature comes after the legislation passed the state Senate on Tuesday by a vote of 68-28.

The bill requires any teacher who wants to teach to obtain a permit, complete a background check, a psychological evaluation and complete 40 hours of training.

The bill states that if a staff member misuses the weapon or if it falls into the wrong hands, the teacher will be responsible and not the school system.

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PREVIOUS HISTORY: In a 68-28 vote Tuesday, a bill to allow teachers and staff to carry a concealed handgun in Tennessee public schools will be presented to Gov. Bill Lee for his signature.

Ella Livingston is a former Hamilton County teacher of six years and says allowing staff members to carry guns as an extra layer of protection would only cause more stress for teachers.

“It seems like no matter what a teacher says, no one listens. We don’t get paid enough. We don’t have enough resources,” Livingston said. “So you want to put something as high-stakes as a gun in our classroom on top of that? I think that’s a recipe for disaster.”

However, Jessica Marshal, whose daughter is in kindergarten, says she’s fine with the idea.

“I think it will save students’ lives and I think it might make a shooter think twice,” Marshal said. “They’re obviously not in their right mind to do that.”

The bill states that if a teacher wants to practice, they must obtain a permit, complete a background check, a psychological evaluation and complete 40 hours of training.

Marion County Schools Director Mark Griffith says 40 hours is not enough training for teachers to point guns at multiple students. He says only law enforcement agencies should carry guns.

“Basically, the training they have is nowhere near what a teacher could do,” Dr. Griffith said.

Other parents like Cole Songer say if student resource officers are not available, there should be other options besides teachers.

“There are a lot of veterans looking for jobs and I think that may be a better option,” Songer said.

The bill states that if a staff member misuses the weapon or if it falls into the wrong hands, the teacher will be responsible and not the school system.

Livingston says this will cause many teachers to resign.

“I’m seeing a massive influx of teachers who were already on the fence, and this is what’s going to push them out,” Livingston said. “Because if something happens and it’s your fault, that’s your life. Done.”