No Need to Threaten Veto, Haslam Says Guns in Parking Lots Won’t Pass

Gov. Bill Haslam talks to reporters after the annual Tennessee Prayer Breakfast at Lipscomb University.

Legislation that would allow gun owners to store weapons in their cars at work is advancing against the wishes of the state’s top elected officials. It passed a House committee Tuesday. Still, Governor Bill Haslam says he doesn’t expect the bill to reach his desk.

Governor Haslam disagrees with extending gun rights into the workplace. Some of the state’s biggest employers are right there with him. Volkswagen officials held a reception for the governor this week and made clear they’re concerned about the so-called “guns in parking lots” bill.

REPORTER: “Are they saying, ‘hey, are you going to make sure this thing doesn’t come to pass?”

HASLAM: “That’s a pretty good summary [laughs].”

While Senate and now House committees have approved the legislation, Haslam contends there’s no need to threaten a veto. He doesn’t believe the bill can pass the full House and Senate. Speakers in both chambers have voiced reservations about the “guns in parking lots” bill.