INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ An Indiana House committee has approved a proposal that would require all public and charter schools in the state to have an employee with a loaded gun present during school hours. 

             The committee voted 9-3 to approve the bill Tuesday after provisions creating the new school protection officer had been added.

             Republican Rep. Jim Lucas of Seymour proposed the position, saying having armed school employees could help prevent tragedies such as the December elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn.

             The bill would require the employee to undergo training set by a statewide board.

             Democratic Rep. Sue Errington of Muncie said she opposed the step because she wasn’t comfortable having guns around children.

             The bill now goes to the Republican-dominated House for consideration.