Tennessee Firearms Assoc. Inc.

House Republicans announce plan for a Safe Tennessee
Commitment to families and communities touted by House GOP

last updated December 19, 2003 9:16 AM

Nashville - House Republican Leader Tre Hargett (R-Bartlett), State Representative Jason Mumpower (R-Bristol) and other House Republicans held press conferences across the state today to unveil two portions of their "New Vision for Tennessee." One component entitled "Safe Homes, Safe Neighborhoods and a Safe Tennessee" includes a variety of measures designed to decrease crime and make Tennesseans safer. Among them are tougher penalties for methamphetamine use, Homeland Security efforts and support for 2nd Amendment rights. The second component, entitled "Strong Families and Communities," will support Tennessee values.

"Republicans recognize the need to step up our fight against the scourge of meth use and manufacture," said Rep. Hargett. "Meth destroys families and costs communities when we clean up a meth lab site. Our legislation will attack this problem on the front end by making it easier to prosecute those who have the ingredients for meth."

House GOP Homeland Security measures include a repeal of the law that allows non-citizens to obtain a Tennessee driver's license. "This law was passed in a pre-9/11 world," said Rep. Mumpower. "California recently repealed a similar statute. If it¹s too liberal for California, it's too liberal for Tennessee."

Concealed carry permits are also addressed in the legislative package. Valid permit holders would be able to carry their firearms into a restaurant that sells alcohol if they are not drinking. A measure to allow local law enforcement to open their firing ranges to permit holders when the ranges are vacant will also be introduced. However, local law enforcement would not be required to do this. In addition, members of the armed forces would be allowed extensions on their concealed carry permits while they are on active duty.

"Concealed carry permit holders are some of our most responsible citizens," added Mumpower. "We should not place additional burdens on them after they have completed the rigorous process required to obtain one."

Republicans will also strengthen Tennessee's marriage law by clarifying that civil unions and domestic partnerships are not recognized by the state. "Tennesseans believe that marriage is a sacred commitment between a man and a woman," Mumpower concluded. "Regardless of the terms that are used, gay marriage should not be forced upon Tennesseans by law."

The State Supreme Court's decision to liberalize Tennessee abortion law will also be addressed by the House Republican Caucus. The Court struck down a 2-day waiting period, mandatory counseling and a requirement that abortions after the first trimester must be performed in a hospital.

"We are going to stand up for a culture of life," said Rep. Hargett. "This amendment will simply assure that our courts do not go further than the U.S. Supreme Court as it pertains to abortion."

Rep. Hargett serves the 97th legislative district in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which is located in Shelby County. Earlier this year he was elected Leader of the House Republican Caucus. He was also appointed to the House Finance, Ways and Means, Health and Government Operations Committees.

Mumpower represents the people of the third legislative district in the House of Representatives. He was recently appointed to the Health and State and Local Government Committees. Rep. Mumpower was elected in 1996 and is serving his fourth term in the State House of Representatives.

wow that's great news!! i hope this goes through.

Looper glad you got a quick response. Sadly both of my reps have failed to even reply to the emails I sent. I think I shall have to start emails on a more frequent means.