MALIBU, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Firefighters battle a blaze at the Salvation Army Camp on November 10, 2018 in Malibu, California. The Woolsey fire has burned over 70,000 acres and has reached the Pacific Coast at Malibu as it continues grow. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)

NASHVILLE (WJHL) – A Tennessee state senator wants to give emergency responders the opportunity to carry guns while on duty.

Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald) has filed a bill that would allow any person employed as a firefighter or emergency medical technician to carry a handgun “while engaged in the performance of the person’s official duties.”

A firefighter or EMT would need to complete eight hours of training annually in order to carry a gun on duty. It would also have to be approved by the organization they work for.

Sen. Hensley filed SB 422 on Thursday. A House version of the bill, HB 493, was filed Friday by Rep. Clay Doggett (R-Pulaski).

WHAT OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON:

>>MORE STORIES