Repealing 39-17-1359 (Prohibition at certain meetings)

[GlockSpock]

First let me state that I feel it is a long shot for this to take place in TN. Yet, I feel that it wouldn't hurt trying. Earlier today I wrote my senator the following email:

 

Sen. Bell and Rep. Brooks,

 

I have several times recently visited Alabama. Tennessee and Alabama have an agreement of reciprocity in their handgun carry permitting system. Thus, I was able to carry in Alabama with my Tennessee permit. Before doing so, I researched Alabama's carry laws. I found that even though businesses and private property owners can post "No Firearms Allowed" signs, they do not carry the force of the law. What does carry the force of the law in Alabama is trespassing laws. If a private business owner asks you to leave for carrying a firearm (or any other reason) and you stay past your welcome, you are guilty of trespassing. It is my understanding that Tennessee's trespassing laws are virtually the same. As a Tennessean I often exercise my freedom by avoiding places entirely that restrict my right to carry a firearm. I'd rather avoid the place entirely vs. disarm (and in some cases leave my firearm in my vehicle where it is liable to be stolen). 

 

I'll note that this "signs have no force of the law" ideology that Alabama practices seems to be doing well for them. As a Tennessean with much pride in this state and much respect for our country's heritage and history, I would very much like to see Tennessee adopt laws substantially similar to that of Alabama's. It is my understanding that repealing 39-17-1359, or amending it greatly, would accomplish this. I have not a clue whether something like this would stand a chance of becoming law in Tennessee, but I must ask both of you to weigh the costs vs benefits of doing so. Is there anything I can do that could increase the chances of something like this ever happening in Tennessee?

 

Sincerely,

 

He responded with this:

 

You bring up some issues I have never thought of but we can't introduce any more legislation this session due to the bill filing deadline of last Thursday.  

Mike

 

I did not realize that in Tennessee we had bill filling deadlines. I suppose that the next session begins next year? If so, perhaps we should take the time to organize and educate?

[Guest 6.8 AR]

They're bound to have deadlines for their business. Good letter you wrote, though. Very worthy of following up on, also.

[GKar]

Don't hold your breath.

[Guest 270win]

Great letter.  We'll have to get this rolling for next year since the NRA is not capable of fixing this. 

 

It is also legal to carry in a school with a permit in Alabama.  Something not many people know.

Edited February 16, 2013 by 270win

[Guest 6.8 AR]

I never hold my breath. A good idea needs to catch like a fire. The idea of those folks in Washington state thought the very same thing.

Gkar, are you saying Tennesseans are just wimps, not like the folks up in the northwest? We need to start taking bold stances on these

kinds of issues. Little things like this prevent further tyranny very effectively.

[GKar]

Tennesseans - no.  Elected Tennesseans...damn straight I am.

[Guest MilitiaMan]

Negative attitudes towards things like this is basically what's gotten us to where we are now. I'd rather "give it a shot" than just sit back and say "why bother".

 

Thanks CZ9MM.

Edited February 16, 2013 by MilitiaMan

[GlockSpock]

There are more Tennesseans than there are elected Tennesseans. If everyone organises and supports such a measure, it could happen. Same thing happened with the Alcohol Bill.

I will reply to him later today. I have never went to a school for any reason in Alabama, but did read about carrying at one.

Note that there doesn't seem to be weekly mass shootings at school in Alabama like some people would leave you to believe such a policy would create.
.

[GlockSpock]

I will also add this:

The left is constantly attacking the 2nd. We are almost always on the defensive. What is that quote about what makes the best defense? The moment we start actually trying to repeal some bad laws step by step is a very good moment. Most the time most people just complain about the way things are instead of trying to change them. Edited February 16, 2013 by CZ9MM

[Guest 270win]

http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/alabama.pdf

 

That is where the good info is on Alabama.  Those folks just buy pistol licenses from their county sheriffs.  Yes a school can kick you out for having a pistol at a college or terminate your employment, but the main thing is it is not illegal which to me is what matters.

 

Also if you look at Mississippi, if you have an 'enhanced permit' (which is basically the same thing as our permit) you can carry in schools too.  Missouri is the same way.  If you get caught carrying at a school in MO, they can ask you to leave but no criminal charge.  It can at most go to trespass.  These are states that border TN.

 

http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/missouri.pdf

 

http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/mississippi.pdf

 

 

It is important to remember that state reps and senators can amend a present bill and add these changes without introducing a new bill.  Ask to see if they will amend what they have out now.

Edited February 17, 2013 by 270win

[GKar]

It has been made abundantly clear that current legislation under consideration will not be allowed to be amended.