This week, Senate Bill 1700 and Senate Bill 1701, both sponsored by state Senator Mark Green (R-22), passed unanimously in the state Senate. SB 1700 states that incidental exposure of a firearm during the course of securing that firearm in a locked vehicle does not violate state law with regards to having a firearm in a locked vehicle on an employer’s parking lot. SB 1701 redefines “motor vehicle” under Tennessee’s parking lot law to include all vehicles lawfully possessed by the permit holder with the exception of government or business owned vehicles. Both bills seek to strengthen protections for law-abiding individuals who choose to carry for self-defense while driving to and from work in Tennessee.
House Bill 1404, introduced by state Representative Sheila Butt (R-64), and House Bill 1405, introduced by state Representative Courtney Rogers (R-45), serve as House companion bills to SB 1700/SB 1701 respectively. Both, HB 1404 and HB 1405 passed in the House Civil Justice Committee and will be considered on the House floor on Monday, February 10.
Please contact your state Representative and respectfully urge him or her to SUPPORT HB 1404 and HB 1405. Contact information for your state Representative can be found here.