Senate Amendment Would Head Off Local Attempts to Sidestep Gun Bill

The state Senate voted Tuesday to head off attempts by local governments to effectively opt out of the so-called “guns in restaurants” bill. Some counties have considered using beer boards to regulate around the law and keep guns out.

Senator Doug Jackson amended another gun bill to include a clarification that local governments can’t deny permits to bars and restaurants that serve alcohol for allowing guns.

“The state of Tennessee does in fact reserve the right to regulate the possession of firearms, and will preserve the action that we took earlier in legislation this session.”

Some argued against the amendment, saying the final say should rest with county governments, but the bill ultimately passed 25 to 7.

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Jackson’s amendment was added on to a bill by Senator Dwayne Bunch aiming to let off-duty police officers bring their weapons anywhere a licensed handgun carry-permit holder can.

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Speaking against Jackson’s amendment, Senator Doug Henry noted Davidson County was among those that had considered using beer laws to circumvent the guns-in-restaurants law.

“I don’t see why we ought to deny a local government who wants to use this beer law for this purpose to do so. So I oppose the amendment.”

Lawmakers in the state House voted not to concur with the Senate’s changes, potentially setting up a standoff that could take the measure to a conference committee.