House Bill 898 and House Bill 961, were recently signed into law by Governor Phil Bredesen (D).
HB 898, sponsored by State Representative Eric Watson (R-22) and State Senator Dewayne Bunch (R-9), will broaden the definition of “law enforcement officer” to include retired and off-duty law enforcement officials. It also expands the right to carry by active law enforcement officials to more geographical locations. Based upon Tennessee Attorney General Robert E. Cooper’s opinion dated June 12, (Opinion No. 09-118), HB 898 was also amended to specify that no entity of state or local government is authorized to discriminate based solely upon conduct or activity related to the lawful possession of firearms where alcoholic beverages are served.
HB 961, sponsored by State Representative Mike Bell (R-26) and State Senator Tim Burchett (R-7), will authorize a person with a handgun carry permit to possess a firearm in a refuge, public hunting area, wildlife management area, or on national forest land.
Thank you to all those members who supported these important pieces of legislation during the 2009 legislative session.
More Like This From Around The NRA
