Yesterday, April 6, House Bill 1736 passed out of the House Education Administration and Planning Committee. The legislation will now go to the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.
House Bill 1736 and Senate Bill 2376, sponsored by state Representative Andy Holt (R-76) and state Senator Mike Bell (R-9) respectively, would permit full-time employees of state public colleges or universities to carry a handgun while on property owned, operated, or used by the employing college or university if the employee has a valid Tennessee handgun carry permit.
During the committee hearing, an amendment was offered that would negate the legislative intent of the bill. The amendment, which would have allowed public institutions to opt out and thereby prohibit faculty and staff from being able to exercise their fundamental right to self-defense on campus, was defeated.
Please stay tuned to your inbox and www.NRAILA.org for more updates on this important legislation.