Controversial gun bill dies in legislative panel; protesters gather to demand stricter controls

A controversial bill that would allow handgun carry permit holders to take their weapons almost anywhere in Tennessee won't advance in this year's legislative session.

A subcommittee rejected the proposal Wednesday, a day when a half-dozen gun-related bills came before lawmakers, and scores of protesters gathered in the Cordell Hull Legislative Office building to demand stricter gun control.

The bill, sponsored by, Rep. Judd Matheny, R-Tullahoma, would have allowed a permit holder — unless the individual has been drinking alcohol — to carry a gun anywhere except judicial proceedings and, under certain conditions, on school grounds. It's is similar to previously introduced "carry-like-a-cop" legislation.

The gun bill also carried a hefty $436.1 million fiscal note, which estimates the costs of a bill. The analysis cites lost federal funding if the bill were to pass.

Read more: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/02/14/tennessee-gun-bill-law-legislature-carry-permit/338204002/