Guns in parks law creates confusion among lawmakers

[enfield]

I love it!

This is the kind of issue that will lead to a state-wide law allowing concealed carry on public property with no silly opt-out provision.

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Guns in parks law creates confusion among lawmakers

Alison Morrow Updated: 9/1/2009 7:19:07 PM Posted: 9/1/2009 5:57:52 PM

Although Tennessee state legislators voted earlier this year to allow guns in all public parks, the law, which took effect Tuesday, has met some obstacles.

Mainly because 70 local governments have banned it.

That leaves questions about where park visitors can, or cannot, bring their guns.

Some park regulations, like Knoxville's Edgewood Park, are clear-cut.

"For at least the last 47 years, no guns have been allowed in any city park or recreation facility and that's still the case today," said Knoxville Vice Mayor Bob Becker.

Knoxville has had a public park gun ban since at least 1962. The new state law only affects local governments that did not have an ordinance prior to 1986.

However, figuring out where the gun ban applies in Knoxville can get trickier, because Knox County allows guns in parks, as it did not have an ordinance prior to 1986.

"There are alot of parks throughout our community and most people don't know the difference between a city and county park," said Knox County Parks and Recreation Senior Director Doug Bataille.

The Turkey Creek Greenway is a prime example. The path begins as Knoxville property -- no guns allowed -- but it runs through Knox County property, which allows guns. To make matters more confusing, the grenway eventually becomes Farragut land, which has a gun ban.

There are numerous other cases like it.

"I don't think we could sign that in a way that would be effective to let people know when you're on and off property. It would take hundreds of signs to do that," Bataille said.

Other issues include how to enforce the law when city or county property backs up to privately owned land, or when parks host public school athletic events.

"So, if you're allowed to bring guns into a park but not into a school event, how do we address that?" Bataille said.

Still, some lawmakers believe the policy works.

"I don't think this is that complicated an issue," Becker said.

Still, just like the laws themselves, opinions aren't uniform either.

"One of the concerns we have is having a policy that's the same across the community so park users know what to expect," Bataille said.

Knoxville City Council members and Knox County Commissioners are expected to again discuss the issue this month.

[billkill]

"I don't think this is that complicated an issue," Becker said.

Of course it's not complicated to him...He knows so much more than the unwashed masses!

[Guest bkelm18]

Of course it's not complicated to him...He knows so much more than the unwashed masses!

Well, he's right. It's not a complicated issue. It's pretty clear cut. Logistically speaking however, it's a waste of taxpayer money.

[DaveTN]

I love it!

This is the kind of issue that will lead to a state-wide law allowing concealed carry on public property with no silly opt-out provision.

No it won’t. We won’t like how this ends.

[Guest H0TSH0T]

Well, he's right. It's not a complicated issue. It's pretty clear cut. Logistically speaking however, it's a waste of taxpayer money.

let them waste it, let them spend money on telling us we cant protect ourselves, our families or friends, or a complete stranger. and please make them sign the sign each and everyone so when something does happen we know who to pay a visit to and thank them, and vote them out, or sue them personally. I would even like to see them maintain it personally ie. mow the grass around it or weed-eat, anything to keep them from hiding their stupidity in a closed room behind a desk gambling with our lives. I would like them to read the sign every day and sweat a little like we do until we have the right to carry as law-abiding citizens in the parks our taxes pay for.

[Guest DefensiveGuy]

I was listening to the TRN Tennessee Radio Network today 09/08/09 and they made mention something to the effect that the Legislature may very well bring this issue up again to make carry statewide in all parks due to the confusion.

I looked at their website and did a google but cannot come up with a link to the report.

[Oh Shoot]

No it won’t. We won’t like how this ends.

Tend to agree.

Now that many places have spent local tax money on new signage will probably be a significant factor, too.

Or maybe the state will reimburse them from its coffers or something ...

- OS

[Worriedman]

I would think now is the time to be contacting State Legislators, let them know where you stand, have them prepped for a return to Session in January.

[Fallguy]

Tend to agree.

Now that many places have spent local tax money on new signage will probably be a significant factor, too.

Or maybe the state will reimburse them from its coffers or something ...

- OS

But how many have actually bought and posted new signs?

I'm sure Nashville has and Memphis has or will. But on the news report about Trenton opting out, they mentioned how now they won't have to change their parks rules signs. One of those signs where like rule 5 is no weapons. They didn't mention anything about buying and posting new signs.

I would be willing to wager 90%+ of these smaller governments have no idea they must post 39-17-1311 signs and/or just aren't going to anyway.

But if the legislature did want to remove the opt out option, I'd be willing to chip in few bucks to pay for bought signs, if it would help....lol

[LagerHead]

When is somebody going to file a lawsuit challenging the legality of opting out because of the "with a view to preventing crime" portion of the state law?