A new bill from Rep. James White (R-Guilford) would allow adults over the age of 21 who possess a concealed carry permit for handguns to carry a firearm onto school property, potentially allowing teachers to carry self-defense weapons.

The bill, LD 885, drew co-sponsorships from nine Republicans, including Sen. Matt Harrington (R-York), Rep. Laurel Libby (R-Auburn), and Rep. Reagan Paul (R-Winterport).

White’s bill amends the existing law that prohibits firearms on public and private school property and makes it illegal to discharge a firearm within 500 feet of school property.

The amendment would allow anyone over 21 with a concealed carry handgun permit to carry a firearm on school property and to discharge a firearm within 500 feet of a school.

A person could still be charged with recklessly discharging a firearm if he fired a weapon near a school without cause, but the change would allow him to use a gun in self-defense on school property without fear of reprisals.

Under White’s bill, teachers could arm themselves to deter and defend against any potential school shooting threats.

The House ordered the bill sent to the Legislative Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs, but the Senate voted just under an hour later to send the bill for consideration in the Judiciary Committee.

With the House and Senate failing to concur on the bill’s referral, it will be sent back to the House, where it originated, and that chamber will be able to vote again on where to refer the bill.

No public hearings or work sessions on the bill have been scheduled.

The Maine Wire reached out to Rep. White for comment, but he did not immediately respond.