Representative Scott Craig of Rapid City said the gun free zone signs outside of schools indicate that they are a soft target.Representative Betty Olson of Prairie City also supports the bill, saying no one would be required to bring a gun to school.

Lead-Deadwood School Board member Orson Ward spoke against the bill, citing the inevitable accident or unnecessary escalation of force. New Underwood Schools superintendent Jeff Marlette said if teachers wanted to be soldiers or policemen, they would have gone into that profession.

The committee plans to vote on the issue Friday.

-Jack Caudill