PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a bill allowing the state's school districts to arm teachers and other personnel with guns.
Supporters say the so-called sentinels could help prevent tragedies such as the Connecticut school shooting in December.
Representatives of school boards, school administrators and teachers opposed the bill, saying it could make schools more dangerous, lead to accidental shootings and put guns in the hands of people who are not adequately trained to shoot in emergency situations.
Supporters say the bill does not force a district to arm its teachers and would not force teachers to carry a gun.
Under the measure, local law enforcement agencies would have to approve a school's sentinel program.
