Tennessee: Multiple Pro-Gun Bills Progressing Through Legislature

Today, House Bill 995, sponsored by state Representative Mike Harrison (R-9) and state Representative Tilman Goins (R-10), passed through the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee.  HB 995 would allow a person with a handgun carry permit to carry a firearm in any state, county, or municipal park or other recreation area and would remove provisions allowing local governments to prohibit carrying in parks by resolution or ordinance.  The current law allows for a patchwork of firearm regulations throughout the state where a law-abiding Tennessean with a valid Handgun Carry Permit may unknowingly and unintentionally break the law.  HB 995 now moves to the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee.  The senate companion bill, Senate Bill 1171, sponsored by state Senator John Stevens (R-24), passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee last week and has been sent to the Senate floor where it will await a vote.  Please contact members of the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and urge them to SUPPORT HB 995.

Yesterday, March 17, House Bill 994 passed through the House Civil Justice Committee and will now move to the House floor for a vote.  HB 994, sponsored by state Representative Curry Todd (R-95), would create a cause of action against an employer for discharge or adverse employment action based solely on transportation or storage of a firearm or ammunition in an employer parking lot.  The senate companion bill, Senate Bill 1058, sponsored by Senator Mark Green (R-22), passed in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee last week and will move to the Senate floor for vote. 

Please contact your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to SUPPORT HB 994.  Also, please contact your state Senator and urge him or her to SUPPORT SB 1058 and SB 1171 when they come up for a vote.