Proposals to allow Tennessee gun permit holders to keep their firearms in locked vehicles in an employer’s parking lot were supposed to be dead – or at least discouraged. But four such bills rushed of a House subcommittee on Tuesday.
Some business interests have fought the measures as an erosion of their property rights. Fed Ex and Volkswagen executives testified they don’t allow private firearms at their job sites, even those legally carried by firearm permit holders.
Still, the four such proposals were voted quickly out of a House subcommittee.
Business lobbyists now say they are prepared to make a last stand against the gun bills next week in the full House Consumer and Employee Affairs Committee.
Last week, Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey told business representatives the measures wouldn’t be scheduled for a floor vote this year.
All the bills do similar things, but some make exceptions, barring guns in high security places, such as penal facilities.
WEB EXTRA
The bills are:
HB 3660 McCormick/SB 3451 Southerland
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