A law in Florida that allows some school teachers to carry firearms on campus went into effect on Tuesday.

The law was hotly debated but was passed by the state legislature earlier this year and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis Ron DeSantisOvernight Health Care: New wave of COVID-19 cases builds in US | Florida to lift all coronavirus restrictions on restaurants, bars | Trump stirs questions with 0 drug coupon plan On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump's 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package Florida to lift all COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants, bars MORE (R) in May, according to The New York Times. It came in response to the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018.

The law gives Florida school districts the ability to opt in to the Guardian Program that allows schools to arm teachers and staff or security guards.

The Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program was named after a Marjory Stoneman Douglas staff member who helped protect students during the shooting.

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The program requires "Guardians" to pass drug and psychological screenings and complete at least 144 hours of training, according to the Florida Department of Education. "Guardians" who sign up for the program receive a $500 stipend.

To date, 39 of Florida’s 67 counties have opted in to the program, including Broward County, where Marjory Stoneman Douglas is located.