The Tennessee Legislature is back at work. The House appears to be considering almost any legislation that was already on notice or set for hearings in March 2020 when it suspended session due to the Covid-19 concerns. The Senate while back in session seems to be only hearing a narrow range of bills that fall…
Author Archives: JohnHarris
Tennessee Legislature returns but divided over priorities – Bill calendar and report for May 29, 2020
The Tennessee General Assembly return to its Covid-19 reconfigured facilities this week with lots to do and little time to do it. The House resumed subcommittee and committee hearings almost exactly where it left off in mid-March. On the other hand, indicators are that the Senate is proceeding on a much more limited pace with…
Tennessee Legislature returning to work – Calendar for week of May 25
The Tennessee Legislature will resume operations the week of May 25. Available below is a 15 page list of bills that TFA has flagged for monitoring and engagement. These bills include the Governor’s bill on permitless carry which is set to be heard on May 26 in the House Judiciary Committee. Please review the list…
Corps of Engineers is seeking public comment on allowing citizens to carry firearms on properties and waters managed by the Corps
The Corps of Engineers has posted a federal notice that it is seeking comments on a proposed federal rule change regarding allowing citizens to carry or possess firearms on properties (including waters) managed by the Corps of Engineers. Written comments must be submitted by June 12, 2020 to be considered. The summary, as provided in…
Tennessee Legislature – Recess Report March 27, 2020
Tennessee is in the midst of an awakening as citizens across the state are increasing their interests in firearms, ammunition and the ability to carry firearms. News reports are commonly seen about gun stores being out of or having low inventory of firearms and ammunition. The volume of gun sales by federally licensed dealers are…
Tennessee Governor lacks authority to regulate firearms during an emergency
With the continued perception of a national crisis over a virus from China, the question is being asked on social media and elsewhere as to whether the Tennessee governor (or any local government) has the authority to regulate firearms or ban their possession. Many would immediately respond with references to the 2nd Amendment as frequently…
BREAKING – Legislature closes doors and access to the public!
News reports are coming out Friday afternoon that Governor Lee, Lt. Gov. McNally and Speaker Sexton have issued orders to close the capitol and the legislature’s offices and committee rooms effective immediately to the public, advocacy groups, and paid lobbyists! Can these elected officials constitutionally exclude the public from the capitol and the legislature while…
TFA weekly report March 13, 2020 – Governor’s permitless bill advances
March 10, 2020 was the 2nd Amendment Rally at the Tennessee Legislature which was a joint endeavor by the Gun Owners of America, National Association for Gun Rights and Tennessee Firearms Association. It was a great success! We were particularly pleased that House Speaker Cameron Sexton recognized the Rally and was its first speaker. The…
Some Legislators are responding to concerns from TFA members about Lee’s “permitless carry” bill.
Last week, Governor Bill Lee made a speech in which he referenced the 2nd Amendment, the Founding Fathers and the rights of the citizens. He said ” “The Second Amendment is clear and concise and secures the freedoms of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.” He told us he was introducing legislation that “……
2nd Amendment Rally Day in Tennessee – March 10, 2020 at the Legislature
The Second Amendment Rally hosted by Gun Owners of America and the Tennessee Firearms Association with support of National Association of Gun Rights is at the Tennessee Legislature on March 10, 2020. It will start by 9:00 am in the old Supreme Court Chambers in the state capitol (a gun free zone). The old Supreme…