[ad_1]
Gov. Bill Lee on Monday thanked members of the National Rifle Association, the country’s leading gun rights group, for helping push a Tennessee bill to remove the state’s permit requirement to carry a handgun.
Speaking to NRA members on a video call Monday evening, Lee thanked the group for its work to help move forward his administration’s permitless carry bill in this year’s session of the Tennessee General Assembly.
The $20 million legislation, which Lee and other Republican supporters refer to as a “constitutional carry” bill, has passed the Senate and is expected to receive final approval in the House next week. The bill last year stalled due to pandemic-related budget cuts and similar legislation filed in previous legislative sessions failed to gain the level of support Lee’s legislation has received.
Former Gov. Bill Haslam was opposed to removing the state’s existing handgun permit requirements, while leading law enforcement officials and prosecutors continue to testify against the legislation.
Lee on the call described the bill as a component of his “public safety agenda.”
“That includes criminal justice reform. It includes support for law enforcement,” Lee said. “This particular piece of legislation not only protects the Second Amendment, it actually creates a safer environment in our state.”
During recent testimony about the proposed legislation, lawmakers learned that states that have removed gun permit requirements have experienced mixed results when it comes to rates of firearm crimes.
Police have said the change, if enacted, would put put officers in vulnerable positions.
The particular bill championed by Lee and the NRA does not apply to other types of firearms besides handguns, a point that has drawn fierce criticism from other gun rights groups, including the Tennessee Firearms Association and the National Association for Gun Rights.
Both of the latter groups have recently attacked Republicans in the legislature for not supporting wider-ranging permitless carry proposals, including removing permit requirements for all types of firearms or allowing 18- to 20-year-olds to also carry freely.
Lee’s bill also increases punishments for certain gun crimes, such as boosting theft of a firearm from a misdemeanor to a felony and mandating six months of incarceration for the offense, up from the current 30-day sentence.
State budget officials predict the legislation would cost the state roughly $20 million, in part from lost revenue from permits and increased incarceration costs. The bill would result in a 20% reduction, or 36,335 fewer, handgun permit applications and renewals each year.
“It is very simple what the founders had in mind, and it was to allow the citizenry to be protected against a tyrannical government,” Lee said.
“What’s most important here is we allow the rights of law-abiding citizens to be protected.”
Lee encouraged those on the call to “engage in thoughtful dialogue with folks who are asking questions about this,” including with people concerned about an increase in violent crime as a result.
“Making them understand, none of us want gun violence,” Lee said. “In fact, we’re working really hard in our state and in the legislature to bring forth laws that increase penalties for violent offenders. We don’t want gun violence.”
Matt Herriman, the NRA’s state director for multiple southern states, including Tennessee, led the conversation with Lee. Herriman served as a legislative liaison for Lee during his first year as governor.
Reach Natalie Allison at nallison@tennessean.com. Follow her on Twitter at @natalie_allison.
Want to read more stories like this? A subscription to one of our Tennessee publications gets you unlimited access to all the latest politics news, podcasts like Grand Divisions, plus newsletters, a personalized mobile experience and the ability to tap into stories, photos and videos from throughout the USA TODAY Network’s 261 daily sites.
Read or Share this story: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2021/03/22/tennessee-permitless-carry-gov-lee-joins-nra-call-tn-constitutional-gun-bill/6958260002/
[ad_2]
Source link
819076 39197Some times its a discomfort in the ass to read what folks wrote but this website is real user genial ! . 891409
174697 177152I think this web internet site has quite superb composed subject material articles . 875754
39955 705759This internet site can be a walk-by way of for all of the data you required about this and didnt know who to ask. Glimpse here, and also youll definitely uncover it. 534021
880960 89013I truly got into this write-up. I found it to be interesting and loaded with unique points of interest. I like to read material that makes me think. Thank you for writing this fantastic content material. 88036
872788 527905wohh precisely what I was seeking for, thankyou for putting up. 966287
382409 136452extremely good post, i undoubtedly adore this wonderful internet site, carry on it 454789
523018 416475Hey, you used to write fantastic, but the last few posts have been kinda boringK I miss your super writings. Past several posts are just slightly bit out of track! come on! 248195
534916 559012Great site, determined several something entirely new! Subscribed RSS for later, aspire to see more updates exactly like it. 950886
865953 384947Ive applied the valuable points from this page and I can surely tell that it gives a great deal of assistance with my present jobs. I would be very pleased to keep obtaining back in this internet page. Thank you. 174219
230765 461931Quite intriguing topic , thanks for putting up. 571759
751944 34849Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO? Im trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but Im not seeing extremely great outcomes. In the event you know of any please share. Thanks! 822014
850730 708208Whoa! This weblog looks just like my old 1! It is on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors! 986605
jazz for happy new year
517864 698796I appreciate, lead to I discovered exactly what I used to be taking a look for. 627651
906312 327563This really is a terrific site, could you be interested in doing an interview about just how you produced it? If so e-mail me! 71142
586653 351566I undoubtedly didnt understand that. Learnt some thing new nowadays! Thanks for that. 675886
872743 779481Housing a different movement in a genuine case or re-dialed model. 339111
599785 61348A genuinely fascinating examine, I may possibly not concur completely, but you do make some extremely valid points. 506746
579116 677962Hi there. Quite cool site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your internet site and take the feeds additionallyI am glad to locate so a lot valuable information correct here in the write-up. Thanks for sharing 579511
982041 272275I really like your post. Its evident that you have a good deal expertise on this topic. Your points are well made and relatable. Thanks for writing engaging and fascinating material. 771847
693611 755869This web website is often a walk-through for all with the understanding you wanted concerning this and didnt know who must. Glimpse here, and you will definitely discover it. 863340
903734 969021I truly like this weblog internet site, will definitely come back once more. Make positive you carry on creating quality content material articles. 836651
615588 770349Im not sure why but this weblog is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? Ill check back later and see if the issue still exists. 821984
362736 745809Thanks for another informative post. Exactly where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a simple to understand way of presentation. 239708