2007 Tennessee Legislative Round Up

On Tuesday, June 12, the Tennessee Legislature’s 2007 session came to an end. 

Two pro-gun bills failing to reach the desk of Governor Phil Bredesen (D) were House Bill 132 and House Bill 2184.  Sponsored by State Representative Mike Bell (R-23), HB132 would have allowed a person with a Right-to-Carry permit to possess a firearm in all public hunting areas, refuges, wildlife management areas, and national forests managed by the state.   HB2184, authored by State Representative Frank Niceley (R-17), would have allowed any resident who has a Right-to-Carry permit to possess his or her handgun while within the boundaries of any state park and all areas for recreational purposes. 

We also must take the time to highlight the many victories that were achieved in the Volunteer State during this session, which include the signing of “Castle Doctrine” legislation, Emergency Powers legislation, and “No-Net-Loss” legislation into law.  

Governor Bredesen signed House Bill 145, sponsored by State Representative Michael McDonald (D-44).  HB145,  “No-Net-Loss” legislation, requires the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency to have a base line number of public hunting acres that are always open to hunting, guaranteeing that future generations have the same hunting opportunities that are enjoyed today.  Also signed was Senate Bill 1597, introduced by State Senator Mark Norris (R-32), legislation prohibiting any government agency from regulating the lawful sale, possession, transfer, transport, and carry of firearms during a state of emergency, such as occurred following Hurricane Katrina.  Governor Bredesen did not stop there, also giving his approval to House Bill 1907, the “Castle Doctrine” self-defense bill.  HB 1907, championed by State Representative Randy Rinks (D-71), will permit an individual to use deadly force to protect him or herself wherever they have a legal right to be.  The bill also provides civil immunity for those who defend themselves from criminal attack. Special thanks go out to State Senators Doug Jackson (D-25) and Paul Stanley (R-31) for sponsoring the Senate version of this legislation.  

These victories would not have been possible without the help of NRA members throughout the State of Tennessee.  We would like to thank all of the members that took the time to call their legislators in support of these important Second Amendment bills.