NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A bill to keep businesses, schools and colleges from banning firearms in their parking lots has been approved by a House subcommittee after a six-minute hearing.
The measure sponsored by Republican Rep. Jeremy Faison of Cosby was advanced to the full House Civil Justice Committee by voice vote on Wednesday.
The Nashville Chamber of Commerce was a vocal opponent of the bill last year, and the Chamber’s Michelle Lacewell says they’re not any happier with this year’s version.
“We’re maintaining our same position as we did in 2012. We believe strongly that property owners have the right to decide what is taken on to their property. It’s an issue of property rights and safety.”
Republican leaders are hoping to avoid a repeat of last year's drawn-out fight over the measure.
House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick of Chattanooga says he and colleagues just want to put the measure behind them so they can move on to other issues.