John HarrisNASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Gun proponents are hoping to loosen gun laws in the state of Tennessee when lawmakers reconvene early next year.
"I've been involved in this since 1995 and substantially all the progress that has been made has been made under a Democratic controlled general assembly," explained Tennessee Firearms Association Executive Director John Harris.
Harris told Nashville's News 2 that he is crafting a strategy of priorities for lawmakers. Among them are to allow employees who have handgun permits to commute with a gun to and from work, as well as keep the handguns in their vehicles without penalties.
According to Harris the right to protect employees during their commute is an issue that is being addressed is several states besides Tennessee.
"That's a big issue. That is actually a trend in the country. There are now 16 states as of November that has adopted that law to protect employees in their commute," he explained.
Harris said he also hopes to clarify the public parks bill, which allows handgun permit holders to have guns in federal and state parks; however they are not allowed in city parks.
"For example Montgomery County Clarksville is open. Davidson County is closed and there's no consistent signage requirements so the people who are going to visit these parks, they don't know if they're open or closed," he explained.
Rob Corcordan owns the Academy of Self Protection in Joelton.
He told Nashville's News 2 he is a proponent of the TFA's efforts, but stresses with ownerships and rights comes responsibilities.
"In Tennessee we really need to have some type of training, some kind of background check to make sure that not every yahoo out there is carrying a gun," he said.
Harris said despite Republican control on Capitol Hill he thinks his agenda will take some time.
"I have a feeling it's going to be a year of small progress if any," he said.
Nashville's News 2 obtained reaction to the TFA's expected push for loosening state gun laws.
The chairwoman of the house Republican caucus states in part, "Second amendment issues will always be on our agenda. Our main priority has been and will continue to be finding ways to encourage job creation in the private sector.
