INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana state Senators advanced a bill Tuesday that would make state funding available for teachers seeking firearms training.

The final vote was 42-8.

The House bill first advanced in February.

On Tuesday, two Democrats joined all Republican state Senators in voting for the bill.

Supporters have said the 40 hours of optional training would help teachers learn how to defend themselves and students if needed.

The proposed training would be voluntary and paid for by the state.

State law currently allows school districts to permit teachers to be armed, but no training is mandated.