Tennessee lawmakers reject bill requiring background checks for all guns

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A House subcommittee has shot down a bill to require background checks for all gun purchases in Tennessee.

Rep. Mike Stewart on Wednesday showed off a military-style carbine that he had bought through a website for $750 in cash with no background check. The Nashville Democrat argued that in-person gun sales should be governed by the same rules as when buying firearms from retailers.

But Republican members were unimpressed with Stewart’s arguments or his display of the AR-15 style rifle, and defeated the measure on a voice vote.

Republican Rep. Jon Lundberg of Bristol said that gun sellers shouldn’t be required to conduct background checks any more than someone selling a car should have to check the license or driving history of the prospective buyer.

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