Carry in Parks Update

[Pat McGarrity]

"Why would you go somewhere dangerous where you would need a gun?"

Rep. Janis Sontany (D-Nashville - Chair of the Powerful Criminal Practice & Procedure
Subcommittee) to Collierville TFA Member, Scott Frick, April 7th, 2005.


First, let me thank Knox County Tennessee Firearms Association Chapter Director, Bill Noll for this update. A few facts regarding this common sense legislation:

1. Criminal predators ignore gun prohibitions, if they are even aware of them, and go armed wherever they like anyway. The idea that an individual determined to commit rape, robbery or murder, cares that being armed illegally in a park, restaurant, etc., is ludicrous.

2. The track record of armed citizens is outstanding and not only is there NOT any factual reason not to trust us; statistics DO show a reduction in violent crime everywhere citizens may legally arm themselves. Period.

3. We pay for these parks and other tax-payer funded places and it's about time those that allegedly serve us, start to trust us. WE are NOT the problem!

In Liberty,

Pat McGarrity
Director - Shelby County, TFA

From Bill Noll:

For those of you who have to work and don't have the time to follow the gun legislation, here is an update:

The Knoxville News Sentinel reported today that SB2143, the "guns in state parks" bill, was recalled by Senator Tim Burchett, the bill's sponsor, as he had made a promise of "no amendments," and the senate bill wound up with three. I have found nothing in either the house or senate bill that includes anything other than state parks. The News Sentinel said "A House committee had earlier (HB2184 by Niceley, now residing in the calendar and rules committee) voted to broaden the bill, authorizing guns in all recreational facilities owned by state or local governments, including playgrounds and civic centers." (italics mine). However, the bill summary says: "This bill authorizes any Tennessee resident who has a handgun carry permit to possess a handgun within the boundaries of any state park. The only place I see anything more than state parks, is in Amendment 2, which is a signage bill requiring several locations to post their property that the carrying of guns is legal. We really don't need that type of posting. Permit holders have been very discreet in carrying their sidearms in public and this type of amendment is a "poison pill" to try and kill the bill.

If you like the idea of being able to carry in all recreational facilities owned by state or local governments, including playgrounds and civic centers and that we don't need to post parks and/or recreational areas, then try phoning the members of the judiciary and telling them so. I've also include e-mail addresses--You will have to cut and paste them as I couldn't do the links to go right to the email.

PLEASE DO SOME CALLING ON THIS--IT'S OUR LAST CHANCE THIS YEAR! The Senate hears this bill on Tuesday, May 22d, so there is still time to write and call.

Bill Noll

To reach the members by phone, dial toll free 1-800-449-8366 and then the five digit extension

2007 Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee

308 War Memorial Building
Phone (615) 741-7821

* Mae Beavers, Chair-- EXT 1-2421, Staff : Patti Saliba, sen.mae.beavers@legislature.state.tn.us
* Doug Jackson, Vice-Chair-- EXT 1-8745, Staff: Kim Andrews, sen.doug.jackson@legislature.state.tn.us ssseesensen.doug.jackson@legislature.state.tn.us
* Jamie Woodson, Secretary-- EXT1-1648,Staff: Pat Farmer, sen.jamie.woodson@legislature.state.tn.us
Diane Black, EXT 1-1999, Stafft: Sherri Goforth, Chase Johnson, sen.diane.black@legislature.state.tn.us
Jim Kyle, EXT 1-4167, Staff: Marsha Milan, Andy Womack sen.jim.kyle@legislature.state.tn.us
Lauren Agee
Beverly Marrero, EXT 1-9128, Staff: Kristen Case, sen.beverly.marrero@legislature.state.tn.us
Mark Norris, EXT 1-1967, Staff: Amy Hedstrom, Liz Alvey, sen.mark.norris@legislature.state.tn.us
Research Analyst and Scott Sloan
Paul Stanley, EXT 1-3036, Staff: Beth Chiles sen.paul.stanley@legislature.state.tn.us
John Wilder, EXT 1-2368, Staff: Nova Buker, Gary Ferguson, sen.john.wilder@legislature.state.tn.us