Bill could change requirements for arresting students who make a threat of mass violence

Bill could change requirements for arresting students who make a threat of mass violence

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — School systems have dealt with unintended consequences related to a crackdown on school threats. Hundreds of students have been arrested under a relatively new state law that makes school threats a felony. A new bill could raise the threshold for a child to face a charge. Caught up in the Tennessee legislature's attempt to deter kids from threatening mass violence is an 11-year-old boy who receives special education. …

Tennessee lawmakers are not changing the current school threats law. They’re adding a new one.

Tennessee lawmakers are considering a bill that would add another, harsher penalty for people who make threats of mass violence at school. The measure would make it a felony for kids or adults to “knowingly” threaten four or more people at schools, places of worship, government offices or live events if others “reasonably” believe the threat will be carried out. A law already in statute charges people with a felony for threats of mass violence a…