Gun Laws Trouble Governor and Local Communities

You might call this the year of the gun in the Tennessee legislature.

We've kept you up to date on the dozens of gun bills before legislators this session.

And for the most part, they have sailed through without a challenge.

That is until today.

Thursday afternoon Governor Phil Bredesen vetoed a gun bill while surrounded by police chiefs, including Chattanooga's Freeman Cooper.

This is the bill that would allow gun carry permit holders to carry their weapons in restaurants that serve alcohol.

The governor says he grew up with the lesson that guns and alcohol don't mix.

It will take a simple majority vote in the House and Senate to override the veto.

And the Governor admits he probably will lose.

He did not comment on the other gun bills lawmakers sent to his desk.

One of those bills waiting for his signature covers guns in parks.

If it stands, permit holders can carry in both state and local parks.

But Local municipalities can opt out, and it appears many will.

Chattanooga mayor Ron Littlefield says Chattanooga is already set-up to deal with the new gun law.

MAYOR RON LITTLEFIELD, CHATTANOOGA "we've had a prohibition against guns in the parks for as long as I can remember..it's still in the code."

But other municipalities may have some work to do.

The bill passed by the General Assembly would allow permit holders to take loaded guns...so long as the round is not chambered..into public parks, natural areas, historic parks, nature trails, campgrounds, greenways and waterways currently owned by the state. But it also opens local parks to permit holders unless city and county leaders rule otherwise.

MAYOR MIKE STEELE, EAST RIDGE "obviously council will have to make a decision on that..you know, it's going to be a very difficult thing for politicians...because it doesn't matter which way you go on this, you're going to offend someone."

Mayor Mike Steele, who is against allowing guns in parks, says his community has a tougher decision to make. Camp Jordan is the largest city park in the area, and it regularly hosts gun shows.

MAYOR STEELE "the gun shows are limited to a facility..ok., now obviously you've got people carrying guns in and carrying guns out..that's a good legal question."

Red Bank Mayor Joe Glasscock told us by phone he wasn't familiar with the legislation..but he ordered the city manager to put it on the agenda for next week.

Chattanooga city council member Manny RICO is disturbed by the new legislation.

MANNY RICO, CHATTANOOGA CITY COUNCIL "you know , I would be against it....like in Coolidge park and things like that. I just don't think we need everybody thinking they can bring their guns to a park."

The Governor has 10 days to sign the bill, or let it become law without his signature.

It passed with enough of a margin that it should survive a veto.