By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
For Tennessee gun control proponents, a Jan. 8 public opinion poll by WBIR News in Nashville probably didn’t go as planned, with the subject of “gun violence” being ranked ninth out of ten subjects of concern, as state lawmakers get back to work.
According to the station, reporting Sunday, 47 percent said the cost of living and inflation is their top priority.
There were no events scheduled Monday as the General Assembly is preparing for this year’s session, but Tuesday’s calendar shows a full list of activities.
WBIR is reporting the gun issue remains one of deep division. “Some (respondents) say they want action on gun laws in the Volunteer State, but remain deeply divided on what that action should look like,” the station reported.
Forty-six percent of respondents reportedly said they are “very concerned” about violent crime involving firearms. There also appears to be strong support for so-called “red flag” laws (65%) while only 5 percent oppose such a law.
According to WBIR News, gun bills to watch for include:
HB 0387 and Senate Bill 0474 which, according to the legislative website, “As introduced, prohibits a healthcare provider from inquiring as to a patient’s ownership, possession of, or access to firearm ammunition or firearm accessories; subjects the healthcare provider to disciplinary action and a fine of $1,000 if the healthcare provider makes such inquires. – Amends TCA Title 63 and Title 68.”
House Bill 1189, “As introduced, renames enhanced and concealed handgun carry permits as enhanced and concealed firearm carry permits and authorizes a permit holder to carry any firearms, rather than handguns, that the permit holder legally owns or possesses.”
SB 1629: “As introduced, deletes the criminal offenses of carrying a firearm or club with intent to go armed and carrying a weapon in a public park with the intent to go armed; prohibits a juvenile from carrying a firearm with intent to go armed except in certain circumstances.”
Last August, a three-judge panel ruled the state laws against carrying firearms in state parks and the “intent to go armed” were unconstitutional, as reported at the time by the Tennessee Lookout.
