TN Senate Support For Guns In Parks Bill

EAST TN, (WDEF)-More than a half million Tennessee gun owners could be allowed to carry in our parks and rec areas in the coming months.

East Tennessee Mayors are weighing in on the debate.

Brent Lambert, East Ridge Mayor,"I can certainly understand it when you have a secluded park where you are essentially out in the woods I can see that."

Jim Coppinger, Hamilton County Mayor."I certainly support the second amendment no doubt about that, as we go through this process and it’s an ongoing process where this comes up but again it’s our responsibility locally to enforce and adhere to the laws of our state general assembly."

In Cleveland, Mayor Gary Davis’s office say parks and rec areas are very important to families and the community.

Dr Lindsay Hathcock, Bradley County Mayor’s Office,"We have tremendous recreation programs families show up, they play softball they play in an elementary football league, basketball."

Hathcock added that safety is a key concern  in Bradley County’s parks.

"The last thing we ever want is a gun fight in the middle of a park, we are hoping they study this and they give the correct ruling so we can abide by it and secure our facilities."

One Memphis State Senator is concerned  the legislation will negatively affect policing.

State Senator Lee Harris,"They can’t do their job well, why because they won’t be able to tell friend from foe, if everybody can walk around with a firearm it’s difficult for law enforcement at least in big cities who is a good samaritan and whose the criminal with a gun."

Governor Bill Haslam has not said whether he’ll sign the bill or not.

Some critics have demanded that guns at least be banned from TN parks during holidays, family gatherings and major sporting events.