Tennessee State Senate Passes Parking Lot Guns Bill

Quote :: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The state Senate passed a bill on Monday giving people with handgun carry permits the right to store their loaded firearms in their vehicles wherever they are parked.
The chamber voted 28-5 on Monday to approve the bill sponsored by Republican Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville after rejecting Democratic efforts to add potential exclusions for businesses.
Ramsey earlier dismissed complaints from the business community that the measure would prevent companies from banning firearms in their parking lots.

Higher education officials are also concerned that the bill would expand the right to store guns on campus to students and faculty. The companion bill is scheduled to be heard in a House subcommittee on Wednesday, where the property rights arguments and campus concerns are expected to get a more extensive hearing.

Some house lawmakers are already weighing in on the issue. "They've (permit holders) proven that they're good people," said Representative Jeremy Faison, a Republican from Newport. "They can be trusted with a gun. We should give them freedom to not worry about criminal penalties for having a gun in their car."

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