NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WMOT) -- A bill that would make it legal to purchase a gun silencer is headed to Gov. Bill Haslam's desk for his consideration.
The Tennessee House passed the so-called Hearing Protection Act Monday. The Senate passed the measure earlier in the year.
Before House leadership closed discussion on the bill Nashville Democrat Rep. Mike Stewart spoke in opposition.
“If you’re a police officer and you’re dealing with a sniper, if the sniper is using a silenced weapon, think what a difficult position that puts you in.”
Republican bill sponsor Rep. Tillman Goins noted that federal restrictions on silencers will remain in force.
The measure passed 74 to 18.