Firearms issue bills for this session.

[Worriedman]

In the House, Civil Justice Sub Committee will be hearing all firearms & ammunition related bills on March 11th at 3:00pm in Room 31.

The better to kill them all my dear...

[300winmag]

Is the NRA helping to bring awareness to these bills or working with any legislators?

[mikegideon]

Is the NRA helping to bring awareness to these bills or working with any legislators?

 

Yes...

 

Last week, the Tennessee Legislature saw the introduction of numerous NRA-supported pro-gun bills that seek to enhance the Second Amendment and protect gun owners in Tennessee:

Senate Bill 1058/ House Bill 994, sponsored by state Senator Mark Green (R-22) and state Representative Curry Todd (R-95) respectively, would create a cause of action against an employer for discharge or adverse employment action based solely on transportation or storage of a firearm or firearm ammunition in an employer parking lot. 

Senate Bill 1171/ House Bill 995, sponsored by state Senator John Stevens (R-24) and state Representative Mike Harrison (R-09) respectively, would allow a person with a handgun carry permit to carry a firearm in any state, county, or municipal park or other recreation area and would remove provisions allowing local governments to prohibit carrying in parks by resolution or ordinance.

Senate Bill 1103/ House Bill 1046, sponsored by state Senator Doug Overbey (R-02) and state Representative William Lamberth (R-44) respectively, would establish certain procedures regarding the disposition of confiscated or abandoned firearms in state or local custody, including the sale and destruction of such firearms. 

Senate Bill 1215/ House Bill 1255, sponsored by state Senator Jack Johnson (R-23) and state Representative Charles Sargent (R-61) respectively, would require the chief law enforcement officer of a jurisdiction to certify the transfer or making of a firearm, as required by the National Firearms Act, within 15 days if the person is not prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm by law; permits an applicant to appeal a denial to the circuit court.

Senate Bill 1239/ House Bill 1112, sponsored by state Senator Mike bell (R-09) and state Representative Jeremy Faison (R-11) respectively, would add certain requirements regarding handgun carry permit applications, including requiring an alien or admission number from a non-citizen applicant; allows a gun dealer to sell a firearm to a handgun carry permit holder without conducting a background check or entering the TBI unique approval number on the transaction record. 

Further pro-gun legislation that was introduced includes:

Senate Bill 312/ House Bill 206, sponsored by Senator Green (R-22) and state Representative Courtney Rogers (R-45) respectively, would add certain exceptions to the definitions of "explosive weapon" and "restricted firearm ammunition" to permit possession or use of blank ammunition and certain practice rounds and create a new affirmative defense to prosecution of prohibited weapons if possessed in accordance with certain federal laws or regulated by the ATF.

Senate Bill 381 / House Bill 899, sponsored by state Senator Bill Ketron (R-13) and state Representative Kevin Brooks (R-24) respectively,would remove the tax exemption for certain machinery used for the manufacture of firearms.  This tax exemption applies to machinery that is primarily used in the manufacturing of smart-gun technology.  

House Bill 481/ Senate Bill 70, sponsored by state Representative Judd Matheny (R-47) and state Senator Brian Kelsey (R-31) respectively, would clarify that it is not an offense for a person to transport and properly store a firearm in a motor vehicle parked on school property. 

Senate Bill 780/ House Bill 535, sponsored by state Senator Mae Beavers (R-17) and state Representative Rick Womick (R-34) respectively, would permit a person who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm to possess a firearm, openly or concealed, regardless of whether the person has a handgun permit.

House Bill 683/ Senate Bill 633, sponsored by state Representative James Van Huss (R-06) and state Senator Paul Bailey (R-15) respectively, would prohibit schools from requiring students or parents to provide information on firearm ownership; prohibits local education agencies from requiring employees to provide information on firearm ownership; prohibit adverse disciplinary or employment action based on information of firearm ownership that is voluntarily provided.

Senate Bill 700/ House Bill 745, sponsored by state Senator Frank S. Niceley (R-08) and state Representative John B. Holsclaw, Jr. (R-04) respectively, would create a lifetime handgun carry permit which entitles the permit holder to carry any handgun that the permit holder legally owns or possesses without expiration; sets the application fee for a lifetime handgun carry permit at $500.

House Bill 1059/ Senate Bill 778, sponsored by Representative Van Huss (R-06) and state Senator Mae Beavers (R-17) respectively, would create a Second Amendment tax-free weekend for sales of firearms, firearms ammunition, and firearms accessories made during the same time as the annual sales tax holiday.

House Bill 1304/ Senate Bill 886, sponsored by state Representative Mary Littleton (R-78) and state Senator Brian Kelsey (R-31) respectively, would establish certain procedures for the petitioning of a court for relief from firearms disabilities established for a prior judicial commitment or adjudication order for mental illness.

Senate Bill 1110/ House Bill 1341, sponsored by state Senator Richard Briggs (R-07) and state Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (R-40) respectively, would prohibit the use of any public funds, personnel, or property to enforce any federal law or regulation that regulates the ownership, use, or possession of firearms, ammunition, or firearms accessories.

Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated when more information is available.

 

[GKar]

We'll see how effective NRA-ILA is in about 12 days, I guess...

[300winmag]

Did the NRA not get behind the park carry bill HB 274?  Also did the NRA not get behind the bill that gives handgun carry permits the same exemptions as off duty LEO?

Edited February 27, 2015 by 300winmag

[Worriedman]

Did the NRA not get behind the park carry bill HB 274?  Also did the NRA not get behind the bill that gives handgun carry permits the same exemptions as off duty LEO?

No, they picked the John Stevens to carry the torch for.  Rep. Goins still intends to put his bill back on notice, but evidently they (NRA) picked Stevens to back.

[Worriedman]

Did the NRA not get behind the park carry bill HB 274?  Also did the NRA not get behind the bill that gives handgun carry permits the same exemptions as off duty LEO?

No use on the LEO look alike bill, Sheriff's Association is opposed, dead on arrival.

[300winmag]

Hopefully the other park bill will work out that the NRA is getting behind.  Is there any major difference between the NRA park bill and the other park bill?

[GKar]

Biggest difference seems Goins' bill looks as though it would open up not only parks but also "playground, civic center or other building facility, area or property owned, used or operated by any municipal, county or state government, or instrumentality thereof, for recreational purposes."  Other differences: Goins bill has a lot of prologue statements as to why the bill is needed, and rather than deleting the section e(1)  (as do Harrison/Stevens HB0995 and Holsclaw/Stevens HB0096), amends it to read [CAPS mine, to show the addition]:

 

(e)  (1)  Because signage prohibiting the possessing of firearms while within or on a public park, natural area, historic park, nature trail, campground, forest, greenway, waterway or other similar public place that is owned or operated by the state or instrumentality of the state, and posted pursuant to this section prior to July 1, 2009, remains necessary for visitors who are not authorized to carry a firearm pursuant to subsection (b), the department shall not REMOVE, replace or change any existing signs that prohibit firearms or erect any new signs at existing state areas relative to firearms; however, the department may replace or repair signs that have been damaged or are scheduled for replacement in accordance with the park's regular replacement schedule.

[Oh Shoot]

..

(e)  (1)  Because signage prohibiting the possessing of firearms while within or on a public park, natural area, historic park, nature trail, campground, forest, greenway, waterway or other similar public place that is owned or operated by the state or instrumentality of the state, and posted pursuant to this section prior to July 1, 2009, remains necessary for visitors who are not authorized to carry a firearm pursuant to subsection ( B), the department shall not REMOVE, replace or change any existing signs that prohibit firearms or erect any new signs at existing state areas relative to firearms; however, the department may replace or repair signs that have been damaged or are scheduled for replacement in accordance with the park's regular replacement schedule.

 

To hopefully forestall any budgetary committee nuke, by showing there's no financial burden with enacting it. Same clause that was in the original statute that allowed carry in state parks and etc.

 

- OS

[GKar]

Unless he re-enters his bill for consideration, we'll never know...

[Worriedman]

We as citizens have a finite window to impress on our own elected representatives our wish for them to co-sponsor these bills (if any are in favor of them).

Numbers of co-sponsors shows Leadership the mood of the body.  Now is the time to write, call and visit your Representatives and Senators if you are of a mind to be involved and not just let Beth and Bill make all the decisions for you.

Leadership has made the decision to force all firearms bills to run at one time, as far as I am concerned, contaminating their vaunted "Committee" system with the stain of partisan, paid for politics. 

Speak now, or forever hold your peace.

Edited March 2, 2015 by Worriedman

[Dustbuster]

Should be interesting to say the least

[btq96r]

In the House, Civil Justice Sub Committee will be hearing all firearms & ammunition related bills on March 11th at 3:00pm in Room 31.

The better to kill them all my dear...

 

Is that open to the public?  That day falls on my spring break from classes, and I would most certainly be there if allowed.

[Moped]

They pushed the Gun Bill Day out another week.  I figure they will push it out to near the last day of the session.  Kill them all and then go home.  Isn't that the way it usually goes?

[300winmag]

You have some folks that want to appear pro gun to the NRA but aren't really pro gun.  It is easier on them to not have a vote on an NRA sponsored bill than to actually vote against an NRA sponsored bill.

[Worriedman]

Is that open to the public?  That day falls on my spring break from classes, and I would most certainly be there if allowed.

It is, on a first come first in basis.  You will have to show up early, lobbyist arrive and take the best seats, the better glare at the legislators...

Edited March 6, 2015 by Worriedman

[btq96r]

It is, on a first come first in basis.  You will have to show up early, lobbyist arrive and take the best seats, the better glare at the legislators...

 

Just keep us updated, and maybe we can get a TGO presence there.  I'd be happy to link up with any TGO'ers for an early lunch downtown and head over to the committee after.

[Worriedman]

List of the Civil Justice Sub-Committee, in my opinion, the make up does not lend itself to passage of our issues, but pleasant rejoinders asking for support are in order.
 

Representative Carson W. (Bill) Beck (D) rep.bill.beck@capitol.tn.gov (615) 741-3229

Representative Mike Carter (R) rep.mike.carter@capitol.tn.gov (615) 741-3025

Representative Sherry Jones (D) rep.sherry.jones@capitol.tn.gov (615) 741-2035

Representative Jon Lundberg (R) rep.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov (615) 741-7623

Representative Leigh Wilburn (R) mailto:rep.leigh.wilburn@capit.tn.gov (615) 741-6890

Chairman Jim Coley (R) rep.jim.coley@capitol.tn.gov  (615) 741-8201

Edited March 6, 2015 by Worriedman

[Worriedman]

They pushed the Gun Bill Day out another week.  I figure they will push it out to near the last day of the session.  Kill them all and then go home.  Isn't that the way it usually goes?

I have not seen that information, where did you get that tidbit?  My understanding as of yesterday, (Wednesday ) they were still on notice for the 11th at 3:00 PM.

[Moped]

It was reported on the local news. WVLT, I believe.

[GKar]

I'm wondering if they were talking about the move from March 4 to March 11 for a few bill in House CJ Sub.  There were a couple that originally showed up as coming in on Mar 4 (one or two were rolled one week from the Feb 23 meeting that at first showed to be coming back Mar 4).

[btq96r]

I have not seen that information, where did you get that tidbit?  My understanding as of yesterday, (Wednesday ) they were still on notice for the 11th at 3:00 PM.

 

Here is the list of bills for the subcommittee on 11 March.  Even if they go right into straight up or down votes, it's a lot of work to start up as late as 3pm.

http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Calendar/CalendarOrders.aspx?CalendarID=197

[300winmag]

I wouldn't be surprised if some or all of the gun bills get pushed another week.  It could be a stalling game to keep anything from receiving a recorded vote.

[Worriedman]

They passed one bill our of the Civil Justice sub last week, the one that Harrison (he has always been very anti-gun) and Sen John Stevens have on parks.  go figure...