Lawmakers, parents, guns and fetuses

Tennessee legislators aren't winning many votes with Power Poll Memphis members.

A large majority of members who responded to the April Power Poll disagree with four major pieces of legislation approved this year by the Republican-dominated General Assembly.

The first two bills are about guns and schools.

The state Senate passed a bill that would allow certified teachers or staff members to carry a concealed handgun on school grounds. The state House is considering a similar bill.

Under the Senate version, adults who apply to carry a gun in schools would be required to maintain a valid Tennessee handgun carry permit, undergo a background check, receive psychiatric certification from a licensed healthcare provider, complete 40 hours of training in school policing, and be approved by the district and principal.

The bill does not require schools to notify parents whether a gun will be in their child's classroom.

Among Power Poll respondents, 72 percent either strongly or somewhat disapprove of the bill. Another 26 percent stronly or somewhat approve of it. Two percent neither agree or disagree with it.

On the second guns in schools bill, both houses passed a bill that would require public schools to teach children “age-appropriate and grade-appropriate” firearms safety concepts as early as pre-kindergarten.

The bill prohibits the use of live ammunition fire and firearms, but it does not prohibit the use of non-functional model weapons. Parents would not be allowed to opt their kids out of the classes.

Among respondents, 74 percent strongly or somewhat disapprove of the bill. Another 21 percent strongly or somewhat approve of it. Five percent neither agree or disagree with it.

The second two bills are about abortion.

The state Senate passed a bill that would make it a crime for any adult to help a minor obtain an abortion without parental consent. A House version of the bill would make the crime a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Among Power Poll respondents, 64 percent strongly or somewhat disagree with the bill. Thirty percent strongly or somewhat agree. Six percent neither agree nor disagree.

Both houses also passed a bill that would require public school students to watch a three-minute animated video on fetal development.

The video, produced by an anti-abortion group, depicts development of vital organs in the womb. The fetus in the video is referred to as Baby Olivia. Parents would not be allowed to opt their children out of watching the video, which would be shown in Family Life classes in grades 6-8.

Among respondents, 67 percent strongly or somewhat disagree with the legislation. Another 30 percent strongly or somewhat agree with it. Four percent neither agree nor disagree.

All bills that pass both houses are expected to be signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee.