UPDATE: Law allowing gun possession without a permit in Tennessee advances in committee

Legislation that would allow constitutional carry of guns in Tennessee has advanced out of the House Judiciary Committee by a 16-7 vote and goes to Finance, Ways, and Means on Wednesday.

Rep. Micah Van Huss of Jonesborough carries the bill in the House and has received several emails concerning the true constitutionally of the proposed law.

“This is not a step backwards. Everything that we do in this legislation…there are no new things that people with permits cannot do. The fact that people cannot carry in parks without a permit is already law. So, while it is not full constitutional carry it is a huge step forward,” Van Huss said during the hearing in Nashville.

Memphis policeman and Army veteran Michael Rollins testified law enforcement has their hands full with the COVID-19 pandemic and this law is secondary in importance.

“The last thing Tennessee needs is gun legislation that will allow for permitless or constitutional carry of handguns in a concealed or unconcealed without a permit,” he said.

Governor Bill Lee endorsed the legislation in February by noting the bill’s increases in punishing those who steal or possess stolen weapons.

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