The State Senate Judiciary Committee voted 4-4 Tuesday and defeated a proposed bill to allow Tennesseans with handgun permits to openly carry long guns in public.
The bill would have let handgun permit holders carry loaded long guns, including shotguns and high-powered rifles, except in schools, government buildings, and certain parks.
“It’s shocking, and it’s appalling,” said State Rep. Jason Powell (D-Nashville.) “Who’s going to feel safe going into a place of business when someone literally has a long gun visibly present? And you can’t do anything to stop it.”
Republican State Sens. Todd Gardenhire and Paul Rose broke with their party to vote against the bill, likely ending the proposal’s chances this year in committee.
No action was taken Wednesday on the House version of the bill, which cannot become law without the Senate counterpart advancing.