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…
Author Archives: John Harris
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…
Legislative Update for week of March 3, 2020 – Lee’s handgun carry bill
UPDATE ON GOVERNOR LEE’S “CONFUSED CARRY” LEGISLATION. On February 27, 2020, Governor Bill Lee called a press conference during which he announced with reference to the Founding Fathers and the Constitution that he was filing an “administration bill” to join “16” other states by adopting “constitutional carry” in Tennessee. In his announcement, the Governor said…
Tennessee Senate moves forward with Governor Lee’s “permitless carry” bill
On March 3, 2020, the Judiciary Committee of the Senate Judiciary moved forward on party lines to push an amendment that contained Governor Lee’s misnamed “constitutional carry” bill (SB2671/HB2817) toward the full Senate for a vote. If any citizen was trying to find or review the bill before it was submitted for a vote, they…
Governor Lee’s proposed legislation – what is in it?
On February 27, 2020, Governor Lee announced that he was filing an “administration bill” to implement “constitutional carry” in Tennessee. At the time that the announcement was made, TFA was excited to hear that the Governor was going to support constitutional carry. However, that excitement was tempered by the fact that he did not identify…
Well is it “constitutional carry” or isn’t it?
On February 27, 2020, Bill Lee announced that he will be filing an “administration bill” to adopt “constitutional carry” in Tennessee. He spoke about how this was the necessary step compelled by the language of the 2nd Amendment. At this time, the draft of this administration bill has not been released and, to my knowledge,…