A bill that would allow private schools and universities the ability to implement a handgun policy is headed to Gov. Bill Haslam’s desk.

The measure, sponsored by Sen. Mike Bell, R-Riceville, and Rep. Tilman Goins, R-Morristown, received approval in the House on Thursday in a 79-12 vote.

Proponents of the legislation argued it would give private K-12 schools and higher education institutions the ability to decide whether to allow valid permit holders to carry their weapons in school buildings.

Because the legislation makes no changes for the state’s public schools, where weapons are banned, opponents have argued it establishes a separate system for private schools.

Rep. Mike Stewart, D-Nashville, noted that the bill does not necessarily force private schools to adopt a policy to allow guns, to which Goins explained the legislation simply allows school boards to create a policy.

If a school did not take action on a policy, guns would still be prohibited, he explained.

The measure received approval in the Senate earlier this week in a 29-4 vote.