JRB

I don't see the non-student adult wording in the new bill (SB3002) and the bill removes the 39-17-1309 provision that does use that wording. So if the new bill passes, does that open it up for students to stow in their car?

So I guess the part about only being able to have a gun in your car if you're picking up or dropping off is false? Is there an origin to that, or where one law overrides another?

I've been following the progress of SB3002 as closely as I can and since I work at a university it has become an issue here. I work at a private university and there is a organization of private Tennessee universities of which their president has drafted a letter that was sent out to all of the members (mainly university presidents), ours included. The letter strongly opposes SB3002 and urges the letter be sent to campus employees, as it was at our university. So naturally that has sparked a big conversation among the employees and community. I have tried to clarify as much as I can, but I have some other questions I need to clear up. This is what I've been pointing out so far, correct me if I'm wrong, please: The first point is that the bill only applies to stowing the weapon in the car. You still cannot, under any circumstances, take the gun out of the car. The point of the bill is not to "make businesses (or campuses) safer" but to allow permit holders and hunters a means to keep their weapon with them, safely, on their daily commute, at any point along the way they may have a need for their weapon The other points I'm taking from the bill summary: Generally, present law (TCA section 39-17-1309)prohibits the possession or carrying of a firearm on school property. Present law provides that this prohibition does not apply to a nonstudent adult who possesses a firearm, if the firearm is contained within a private vehicle operated by the adult and is not handled by the adult, or by any other person acting with the expressed or implied consent of the adult, while the vehicle is on school property; this bill removes this provision. It should be noted that another present law provision (TCA section 49-6-3401) prohibits the possession of a firearm by a student on school property; such a law is required by federal law under the Gun-Free Schools Act. That Act has an exemption for a firearm that is lawfully stored inside a locked vehicle on school property, Also, under the federal Gun Free School Zone Act it is generally a federal crime to knowingly bring a gun within 1,000 feet of a school. Federal law does contain certain exceptions, one being that the prohibition does not apply of the person is lawfully licensed to carry a firearm under the law of the state where the school is located. Another exemption is for a unloaded firearm in a locked container or locked gun rack. According to these points, isn't keeping your weapon (as an employee) stowed in your vehicle, on campus already permitted? As I understand, the new bill would then add the restriction that you must be a licensed permit holder or have a hunting license. It also, as I read, extends to students and visitors. That's my big question though, would a 21 year old permit holding student be able to keep his/her firearm in the trunk of their car, student being the main issue there. Working here and knowing some of the 21 year olds that I do, as well as thinking back to when I was that age, worries me. Also, I've been told that it's only legal to have your firearm if you are picking up or dropping someone off of campus. I haven't found the law for that yet though, nor is it mentioned in the SB3002 bill summary. Can anyone point me to it or how the new bill will affect that law, if it does?

Absolutely. According to that statement you bolded, wouldn't it be illegal then for a school administrator to own a gun at their own home? That is technically a property used by a director for administrative purposes (assuming they work from home, which would be common in that position).

Thanks for the clarification everyone. It has helped. I'm not reaching, I just want to be clear. I haven't been a student for quite a while, but I work with them all day. I'm the "gun guy" in the office and I the question comes up. I can say it's against the law all day long, but when a student comes back and says "Which law is it?" I haven't had an answer.

Oops. I glanced right over the possess word there and went straight carry, open or concealed part. My bad. Clarify the intent to go armed part though. If the weapon was locked away, separate from ammunition? Is that over-ridden by ©(1) section that leaves that phrase out?

That appears to be for carrying though. If I a student has a stowed pistol in their dorm room, ammo somewhere else... I'm looking for the exact law against that.

I don't know what forum this really goes under, but thought this was the closest. Forgive me if I'm wrong. What is the law on possessing a firearm, not carrying it, on a private university campus? The university handbook basically just states to refer to the law, nothing specifically saying "don't do it". I'm sure the law is there, but I was wondering if someone can point me to it specifically. And would a university dormitory have any other application different than the campus as a whole?

I bought an 85FS a month back. I fairly quickly realized that it wasn't comfortable to carry (for me) and moved over to an M9 last week. I haven't shot it yet, but I can't wait. I do with the LGS had a 92A1 in stock though, I would've preferred that. The M9 is going to be my home defense gun and I'll pick up a LCP or LC9 for carry. Ruger days is coming to town this weekend, we'll see what deals they have going on. edit: Realized I said basically the same thing above... my bad. It's been a stressful weekend.

I had a Beretta 85, a kind of scaled down 92, shoots .380. It was such a nice pistol. I just traded it in for Beretta M9, which is basically a 92fs, because I wanted the larger caliber. Beretta makes beautiful, well operating guns. They're artwork. But really, and I hate saying it because everyone else does, get whatever you like. There's gonna be playas and haters for every make and model of gun out there. I can give you my opinion, that the Beretta 92 is a top of the line pistol that's reliable, accurate, fun to shoot and has a wide selection of aftermarket upgrades, but someone else can come along and say the opposite.

Hey, I'm new here. Been lurking around for a while but haven't joined until now. I'm a damn yankee, originally from northern Illinois. Came to Collegedale, TN for college, found my wife, bought a house, had kids, made friends, and am enjoying life. We're in Ooltewah, just outside Chattanooga (my backyard fence marks Chattanooga city proper). Beretta M9 (as of today) and Walther P22 owner. Went through a XD9 sub-compact and Beretta 85fs Cheetah in the past year or so before settling on the M9. Now I have an LCP on my list