Two bills in the state house would allow Michigan teachers to carry pepper spray and tasers on school grounds.
State legislators introduced a bill last year to allow teachers to carry a gun on school grounds. That bill did not pass. Critics worried having guns on school grounds might endanger students.
Republican State Representative Beau LaFave sponsored last year’s gun legislation and the latest legislation around tasers and pepper spray. He said these versions of the bill could pass.
“There seems to be a consensus that teachers should at least be able to carry pepper spray.”
Beau said he understands the concerns that were raised about firearms, but something has to be done to protect students.
“I will readily admit that if students get ahold of a 9-millimeter the worst thing that could happen is that they shoot somebody and they die. The worst thing that could happen if somebody gets ahold of pepper spray or a taser is somebody has a really, really bad day.”
The bills have been submitted to the House Judiciary Committee, of which LaFave is the vice chairman.