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Firearms in parks bill headed for Tennessee House floor vote

capitol.tn.gov

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Legislation that would strip local governments of the power to ban guns in public parks is advancing in the Tennessee Legislature despite concerns from the governor.

The measure sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Harrison of Rogersville was approved 15-5 Tuesday in the House Finance Committee and is now being scheduled for a vote on the House floor. The companion bill is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.

Currently, community parks, playgrounds and sports fields are among the few areas in Tennessee where local governments can ban people with handgun carry permits from being armed. Harrison's proposal would change that.

Republican Rep. Steve McDaniel of Parkers Crossroads was unsuccessful in adding an amendment from Republican Gov. Bill Haslam that sought to prevent firearms from being carried on property used by any board of education, school, college or university.