NASHVILLE, Tenn. – People with handgun carry permits would be able to carry their weapons on the grounds of the state Capitol under a proposal that overwhelmingly passed the Senate on Wednesday.
The amended legislation was approved 26-7. It would also strip city and county governments of the power to ban guns in parks, playgrounds and sports fields, which was the main intent of the bill.
“This is about the right to self-defense, the right to protect yourself where you are,” said Sen. John Stevens, a Huntingdon Republican and the bill’s sponsor.
With the amendment, licensed gun holders could also carry firearms in the Capitol complex, which would include Legislative Plaza and War Memorial Plaza across from the Capitol.
The change was not part of the version the House passed 65-21 on Monday, so the legislation now goes back to the lower chamber.