In a move to combat threats of mass violence in Tennessee schools, the state's General Assembly has passed a bill that puts the brakes on the driving privileges of offending juveniles. As reported by WZTV, House Bill 1698, steered through the legislative process by State Rep. Robert Stevens of Smyrna, demands a year-long suspension for this young group of would-be drivers or those who already hold a license.

The legislative road to Gov. Bill Lee's desk cleared when members of the Rutherford County School Board provided feedback in crafting the bill. "We have been looking for ways to deter threats on social media that, cause disruption to the educational process, and we hope this legislation will be a good first step as a deterrent," Rutherford County School Board member Tammy Sharp told WZTV.

Under the new regulations, youths found guilty of making threats will not only face potential criminal consequences but will also be penalized with the loss of a fundamental coming-of-age privilege: the freedom to drive. According to WSMV, Stevens underscored the gravity of the issue, saying, "Threatening to commit mass violence is a serious offense, and by strengthening the disposition and suspending driving privileges, I hope it will deter juveniles from making these senseless threats."

The governor's approval is the final step before the start date of the law, penciled in for July 1. Critics and supporters alike are waiting to see if the link between driving rights and school safety will be a compelling deterrent. The passing of this bill, as noted by 3B Media News, seals a concerted effort to add extra teeth to disciplinary measures against a most serious, and unfortunately increasingly common, threat to student well-being in Tennessee schools.