Tennessee bill requires metal detectors for city, county gun bans

Staff Photo by Tim Barber/Chattanooga Times Free Press
Red Bank Police Detective Michael Ray assists Charlotte Thompson, right, through a metal detector before Tuesday's commission meeting at Red Bank City Hall. Her friend Jane Helton, center, waits for the process. Red Bank is the only city in Hamilton County using a metal detector to screen people who come to city meetings. — Staff Photo by Tim Barber/Chattanooga Times Free Press Red Bank Police Detective Michael Ray assists Charlotte Thompson, right, through a metal detector before Tuesday's commission meeting at Red Bank City Hall. Her friend Jane Helton, center, waits for the process. Red Bank is the only city in Hamilton County using a metal detector to screen people who come to city meetings. Staff Photo by Tim Barber/Chattanooga Times Free Press Red Bank Police Detective Michael Ray assists Charlotte Thompson, right, through a metal detector before Tuesday's commission meeting at Red Bank City Hall. Her friend Jane Helton, center, waits for the process. Red Bank is the only city in Hamilton County using a metal detector to screen people who come to city meetings.

By Associated Press May 3, 2017 4 min read

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A gun rights push in Tennessee would give cities and counties an ultimatum: buy metal detectors, hire security guards and check bags at many public buildings, parks and buses; or let people with handgun permits bring in their guns.

The proposal is drawing support from many Republican lawmakers and the NRA, which said it would hold local governments responsible for keeping citizens safe.

The gun control group Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and some cities think the legislation would give local officials two bad choices, or put them at risk of lawsuits under the bill’s expanded protections for gun-rights groups to sue on behalf of individuals who feel slighted by local gun restrictions. They would be eligible for triple attorney’s fees.

Charles Swanson, law director for the city of Knoxville, has described the bill as “an attorney’s relief act for those representing gun interests.” An amendment Wednesday to lower the attorney’s fees failed before the House passed the bill in a 70-24 vote.

“We are opposed to the bill because it means we either have to allow people to go armed in buildings and facilities where guns have been restricted or make huge investments of taxpayer money to install unnecessary security equipment and personnel,” said Jesse Fox Mayshark, spokesman for Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero.