Tennessee Senate Approves Guns In Parks

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP & WDEF) – Handgun carry permit holders would be able to carry their weapons on the grounds of the state Capitol under a proposal that has passed the Senate.

The amended legislation was approved 26-7 on Wednesday. The measure would also strip city and county governments of the power to ban guns in parks, playgrounds and sports fields.

The House approved that version 65-21 on Monday, and will now consider the change made by the Senate.

Right now, Hamilton County voted to keep guns out of Chester Frost Park, while Chattanooga did the same for Coolidge Park.

East Ridge recently voted to allow permit holders to bring weapons to Camp Jordan.

The legislation would apply to the state’s 500,000 handgun carry permit holders.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam has said he has concerns about the bill in general, but hasn’t said whether he would sign it into law.