GOP-led committee unanimously votes down Tennessee gun bill

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A Republican-led House committee has unanimously voted down legislation to let Tennessee handgun permit holders bring guns most places, including hospitals and professional sports arenas.

In the Civil Justice Subcommittee Wednesday, Gov. Bill Haslam’s administration, the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Tennessee Hospital Association expressed opposition to Republican Rep. Judd Matheny’s bill.

Under it, permit holders would be barred from carrying only when it’s against federal law or court order; under the influence of alcohol or drugs; at judicial proceedings; on school grounds; at correctional facilities or law enforcement offices; or at private residences that post that guns aren’t allowed.

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America advocates cheered the vote.

The hearing happened as news of a deadly Florida school shooting broke.

Several other controversial gun bills were delayed in the committee.

(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

REACTION TO THE VOTES

Tenn. Firearms Association:

“In essence, the bill would have allowed citizens who have received state handgun carry permit to carry in the same locations as off-duty law enforcement officers (who are by law simply civilians themselves).

The House Civil Justice subcommittee has been a recurring problem over the last 8 years of Republican control of the General Assembly. The composition is largely if not entirely controlled by Speaker Beth Harwell who should carry the blame (in her race for governor) for this committee’s actions. At this time, the committee is comprised of Rep. Mike Carter (chair), Bill Beck, Glen Casada, Martin Daniel, Andrew Farmer, G. A. Hardaway and Debra Moody.”

HAPPENING NOW: Standing room only in the Tennessee statehouse as Moms Demand Action volunteers flood into hallways to make sure their voices are heard in the fight to end gun violence. #ExpectUs #TNleg @Everytown pic.twitter.com/v7GvecYqAW

— Moms Demand Action (@MomsDemand) February 14, 2018