Commission: Exclude Shelby Co. from gun bill
The Shelby County Commission wants nothing to do with Tennessee’s proposed permitless carry gun bill.
On Monday, the county’s legislative body joined the chorus of disapproval about the bill seen from Memphisarea officials. The commission passed a resolution expressing disapproval for the proposed legislation and asked the Tennessee General Assembly to carve Shelby County out of the proposal.
“If the Tennessee General Assembly decides to pass permitless gun carry legislation, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners would like for Shelby County to be carved out of this legislation for fear of public safety concerns in our community,” the resolution said.
It also said what law enforcement professionals and gun industry professionals have told The Commercial
Appeal since it was proposed: Allowing people to carry firearms without a permit or training lowers the bar needed to carry. It expressed concern about the presence of concealed weapons becoming prevalent at shopping malls and on public streets.
Commissioner Reginald Milton said he is a gun owner and that his greatest fear is guns ending up in the hands of those who shouldn’t have them because of the bill.
The legislation was originally sponsored by commissioners David Bradford and Tami Sawyer, a Republican and a Democrat respectively. The measure passed 10-1. Commissioner Mick Wright voted against it. Commissioner Willie Brooks was not at his seat at the time of the vote. Chairman Mark Billingsley was absent.
Samuel Hardiman covers Memphis city government and politics for The Commercial Appeal. He welcomes tips and feedback from the public. He can be reached by email at samuel. hardiman@commercialappeal.com.
It also said what law enforcement professionals and gun industry professionals have told The Commercial Appeal since it was proposed: Allowing people to carry firearms without a permit or training lowers the bar needed to carry. It expressed concern about the presence of concealed weapons becoming prevalent at shopping malls and on public streets.