Districts in Indiana can request state-funded firearm training for teachers.
Earlier this year in April, lawmakers in Indiana finalised the House Bill 1177 which will see teachers able to apply for a curriculum of state-funded firearms training if their district votes to allow them to carry a firearm on school grounds.
Teachers in the midwestern state have previously been allowed to carry a firearm on school property if their district has approved it, but no training was originally provided.
As per Indiana General Assembly's website, House Bill 1177 states the funds will be taken from the Indiana secured school fund and school corporation and charter school safety advance program.
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The funds will be used 'for the purpose of providing specialized firearms instruction to certain teachers, school staff, and school employees'.
"And for providing counseling services to students, teachers, school staff, and school employees in the event of a school shooting," it continues.
In order to receive the training, a district won't just have to vote to approve staff carrying firearms, teachers will have to pass a psychiatric test.
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The teachers will then have to complete the 42-and-a-half hour 'specialized firearms, safety, education and training' curriculum.
As well as receiving training on how to use a firearm, the employee will also receive advice on 'the safe possession and storage of a firearm in a home with a child'.
Derrick Turner - the owner of Bare Arms, a gun training facility - believes the bill is a step in the right direction.
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He tells FOX59 News: "100 percent of these instances when there's been an active shooter, they've all ended because of a gun.
"For some districts, counties, municipalities, town marshals, they don't have the manpower to do that.
"They can fill that void and kids can be protected by someone who's adequately trained."
The bill may have been approved, but some teachers and districts have continued to speak out in opposition of it.
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Maths teacher and Democrat rep Tonya Pfaff said: "This bill is not the answer. This bill won't stop school shootings."
Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township also told Fox News: "MSD of Wayne Township is not actively engaged in this training and does not have plans in the near future to participate."
Paul Farmer, the President of Monroe County Education Association, resolved: "Our schools being safer doesn't mean putting more guns into the schools."
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As well as stating he doesn't believe the bill will help make schools safer, Farmer believes the funding could be put to better use elsewhere.
He said: "Let's use those resources for more councillors more social workers more mental health professionals, that work directly with our schools.
"Those types of programme could be far far better and reach more students."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
You can also call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 at the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline.
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