‘Guns in Trunks’ Passes Over Business Objections

Watchers packed a hearing room as the Senate Judiciary Committee considered a bill allowing guns to be stored in cars, even on private property. Photo credit Blake Farmer/WPLN

Closely watched legislation that would allow guns to be stored in cars – even on someone else’s private property – is headed to a vote of the full state Senate.

The Senate Judiciary Committee passed the so-called “guns-in-trunks” measure against the wishes of some of the state’s largest employers. Bill Ozier is chairman of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and addressed the panel. He admitted businesses realize guns are already being stored in cars on their property.

“We believe that the current system of a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ approach has work very well for many years.”

Still, Ozier says plans to expand or invest in the state hinge on whether a corporation can keep weapons out of their own parking lots.

“It is certainly more of a concern than you might otherwise think.”

John Harris says hogwash to those claims. He heads the Tennessee Firearms Association. But he’s not pleased with the guns in trunks bill advancing either. The current proposal requires that a person have a carry permit and own the car.

“Our position is if you legally own or possess it, you should be able to keep it in your car, no matter where you’re car is parked.”

Harris says he hopes to change the legislation that will begin working its way through the state House. However, others want to add exemptions, such as making the parking lots of schools and college campuses off limits.