Sen. Ferrell Haile, a Gallatin Republican, says he sees no need to change a law criminalizing threats of violence, although opponents say the law has been misapplied.(Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Tennessee lawmakers who led efforts to quell mass school violence say no change is needed in a state law that led to punishment of numerous students, even for ill-advised pranks.

Democratic Rep. Bo Mitchell of Nashville and Sen. Ferrell Haile of Gallatin defended the measure lawmakers passed in 2023 making it a felony instead of a misdemeanor to threaten violence at a school.

Mitchell, who is running for election to Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, said he pushed for stricter punishment against school threats two years ago at the request of Republican House Speaker Cameron Se

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