Lawmakers push for 'true Constitutional Carry' law in Tennessee
As guns sales hit historic levels across the nation, there's proposed legislation to loosen gun restrictions in Tennessee.
HB0018 is sponsored by Rep. Bruce Griffey (R-District 75), and co-sponsored by Rep. Scotty Campbell (R-District 3) of Mountain City. It would allow people in Tennessee to carry without a handgun carry permit.
"If this bill passes, the handgun carry permit process remains in place," said Rep. Campbell. "Also, if it's illegal for you to own a firearm today, it will still be illegal, and then you still have to pass a background check to purchase a firearm in Tennessee."
Right now, Tennessee law requires a permit which comes with training, background checks, and fingerprints. It costs around $65 dollars.
"Unless the public sees fit to change the words, you have a right to keep and bear arms and that shall not be infringed. Writing a check to the government is infringing on your right and it should never be required," Campbell said.
Firearms instructors, like Chet Emery, the owner of Bristol Firearms Training, believes the permit process is important.
"I'm very pro gun, don't think I'm not, but I don't think everybody should be carrying a gun around town," he said. "I don't think that's appropriate. I think you need some type of checks and balances to make it safe."
Emery believes some sort of training is needed before handling a weapon.
"I think you need to show you're proficient with a gun before you start carrying one," he said. "That's a huge responsibility."
Rep. Campbell doesn't disagree with training to use a firearm, but believes we need to follow the amendments of the Constitution the way they were written.
"The handgun permitting process will remain in place," said Campbell. "I encourage people to continue to go through the process to get the permit. I'm a big believer in that. I'm also a believer in the Constitution. If we don't like the Constitution, people would need to see that get changed. I don't think think were adhering to the Constitution as it is today."
https://wcyb.com/news/local/lawmakers-push-for-true-constitutional-carry-law-in-tennessee