Legislation that would strip local governments of the power to ban guns in public parks is advancing in the Legislature despite concerns from the governor.
The measure sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Harrison of Rogersville was approved 15-5 Tuesday in the House Finance Committee and is now being scheduled for a vote on the House floor. The companion bill is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.
Currently, community parks, playgrounds and sports fields are among the few areas in Tennessee where local governments can ban people with handgun carry permits from being armed. Harrison’s proposal would change that.