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Tennessee: NRA Legislation Signed into Law and More Still on the Move

Tennessee: NRA Legislation Signed into Law and More Still on the Move

On Thursday, March 4, Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen (D) signed House Bill 2376. Sponsored by State Representative David Shepard (D-69) and State Senator Doug Jackson (D-25), HB2376 prohibits the destruction of confiscated firearms and requires them to be auctioned off or sold to a federally licensed firearms dealer. Proceeds from the sale of these firearms are to be used for the benefit of local law enforcement agencies.

Governor Bredesen also signed House Bill 770 on Tuesday, March 2. HB770, sponsored by State Representative Mike Turner (D-51) allows law-abiding permitees to carry of a firearm for self-defense during the bow hunting season. HB770 was filed during the 2009 session and was pushed through the legislature in February. State Senator Doug Jackson (D-25) carried the companion legislation, Senate Bill 842.

Pro-gun legislation scheduled to be heard this coming week:

Senate Joint Resolution 30, is scheduled to be heard on the House Floor on Monday, March 8. SJR30, sponsored by Senator Doug Jackson (D-25), would propose an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution recognizing citizens’ right to hunt and fish. It provides truly meaningful protections against the anti-hunting activists who seek to ban all hunting in America. The ultimate adoption of this constitutional amendment would preserve Tennessee’s rich hunting and fishing traditions for generations to come. No action is needed at this time.

The following legislation is scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary Criminal Practice Sub-Committee on Wednesday, March 10.

Please contact the House Judiciary Criminal Practice Sub-Committee Today and ask them to vote in SUPPORT of HB3125 with NRA-backed amendment, HB2719, HB2726 and HB3141. Contact information for the committee members can be found below.

House Bill 3125, with an anticipated NRA-backed amendment, would enable a person who has a valid Right-to-Carry permit to carry a firearm into restaurants where alcohol may be served, as long as the permit holder is not consuming alcohol or is not otherwise prohibited by posting provisions. HB3125, introduced by Representative Curry Todd (R-95), was filed in response to Chancellor Claudia Bonnyman’s ruling last November. The current law was ruled as being unconstitutionally vague because of a perceived ambiguity over the state’s definition of restaurants. HB3125 with the NRA-backed amendment will fix any ambiguity.

House Bill 2719, authored by State Representative Stacey Campfield (R-18), would enable a person who has a valid Right-to-Carry permit to carry their firearm on a greenway. Greenways are linear parks or corridors of protected open space.

House Bill 2726, also sponsored by Representative Campfield, would allow permit holders to possess a firearm in their motor vehicle on a public college campus parking lot if the handgun is stored out of sight in a locked vehicle.

House Bill 3141, sponsored by Mike McDonald (D-44), would permit a law-abiding individual to store firearms in a locked motor vehicle while parked on a publicly accessible parking lot controlled by an employer or a business that he or she frequents. This bill would protect your right to keep a firearm in your car for self-defense, hunting, or target shooting before or after work.

Permit confidentiality and the lawful transport of firearms legislation have also been filed and will be heard in the House sub-committee. We will keep you posted on which bills to follow as they move through committee.

State Representative Eric Watson (R-22), Chair
Phone: (615) 741-7799
Email: rep.eric.watson@capitol.tn.gov

State Representative Janis Sontany (D-53), Vice Chair
Phone: (615) 741-6861
Email: rep.janis.sontany@capitol.tn.gov

State Representative Eddie Bass (D-65)
Phone: (615) 741-1864
Email: rep.eddie.bass@capitol.tn.gov

State Representative Karen Camper (D-87)
Phone: (615) 741-1898
Email: rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov

State Representative Judd Matheny (R-47)
Phone: (615) 741-7448
Email: rep.judd.matheny@capitol.tn.gov

State Representative Barett Rich (R-94)
Phone: (615) 741-6890
Email: rep.barrett.rich@capitol.tn.gov