This column has long maintained that many states' requirements that citizens obtain permits or licenses for firearms carry are tantamount to (dare I say it) an infringement on their constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
You can read an essay on permits HERE. Permits or licenses require the citizen to apply for permission from the state prior to carrying a defensive weapon. The major problem with the philosophy underlying permitting laws is that they restrict the good people, while having no effect on the criminals who prey on them.
They turn a civil right into a privilege, and tax the permittee. They are discriminatory in nature, removing the right to personal defense from those who can't afford the fee.
State Senator Stacey Campfield has introduced a bill in the Tennesse Legislature which would restore the right to bear arms to its rightful place. It includes verbiage identical to Vermont's constitutional carry law. It also explicitly states that a person who can legally own a firearm can legally carry it without the need of a permit.
This bill would also keep a permitting system in place for those who wish to carry a firearm when traveling in states that recognize the Tennessee permit.
For a complete analysis of this bill, SB 397, click HERE.
Governor Haslam has stated that he would sign such a bill, if it is passed by the Legislature. It's time to start pushing our legislators to co-sponsor and support this bill. We also need a companion bill in the House.
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If you learned from this article, here are more you might like:
Is it moral to use deadly force in self defense?
Veterans Day, gun free zones, and unarmed citizens
Tennesse Attorney General says contract trumps Bill of Rights
Check out the MJM Blog over at Lucky Gunner.
For other related Gun Rights Examiners' related articles, check HERE.
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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.
Comments
Wasn't the last day to file a bill the 17th?
I don't know. If so, we will have to wait till next year. :(.
This bill was submitted before the 17th so it shouldn't be any issue.
There was no companion bill introduced in the house before the 17th. No one co-sponsored the senate bill. This bill was dead on arrival and it is too bad. I called several members of the house and none were interested, I'm guessing Harwell had something to do with it. It was either that or 64 republican members of the house, the most ever since reconstruction, didn't recognize that current law is unconstitutional.
Yes, I confirmed with Senator Campfield that it is DOA. Maybe net year.
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