Bill to allow trained school workers to carry guns set aside

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Lawmakers have set aside a proposal to allow school employees in South Carolina to carry guns on campus after two weeks of training.

A House subcommittee voted 4-2 to set aside the bill sponsored by Rep. Phillip Lowe.

The Florence Republican says he was only trying to protect the safety of children in rural schools that can’t afford a certified police officer and could have to wait for one on patrol to arrive.

But law enforcement representatives say two weeks of training isn’t enough when it comes to handling a gun on school grounds.

Educators asked legislators to wait until state Education Superintendent Molly Spearman’s task force issues its school safety report.