Tennessee: Three Pro-Gun, Pro-Hunting Measures Awaiting Governor Bredesen’s Action

Last week, the Tennessee House concurred on the amended version of House Bill 716.  The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Phil Bredesen (D) for his consideration. 

HB 716 would allow any resident who has a valid handgun carry permit to possess a handgun while within the boundaries of any state park. 

Also on the Governor’s desk awaiting consideration is House Bill 390. This bill would allow handgun carry permit holders to possess or carry a rifle or shotgun with a loaded magazine provided the firearm does not have a round in the chamber, while in a private motor vehicle.

Please contact Governor Bredesen and urge him to sign HB 716 and HB 390.  The Governor can be reached by phone at (615) 741-2001 or email [email protected]. 

Senate Joint Resolution 30, sponsored by State Senator Doug Jackson (D- 25), would propose an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution recognizing citizens’ right to hunt and fish.  The final language of the Resolution incorporates NRA’s model language and provides truly meaningful protections against the anti-hunting activists who seek to ban all hunting in America.  The ultimate adoption of this constitutional amendment will preserve Tennessee’s rich hunting and fishing traditions for generations to come.  SJR 30 is currently stalled in the Finance Ways and Means Committee because it has a fiscal note. 

Please contact Governor Bredesen and ask him to include the one-time $20,000 fiscal note attached to SJR 30 in the 2010 budget.  This is a one-time publication cost of $20,000 to print the text of the proposed amendment in the newspapers.  The Governor can be reached by phone at (615) 741-2001 or email [email protected].