House OK’S guns in parking lots
Employers still could fire at will
NASHVILLE — Starting July 1, people with handguncarry permits can keep guns in their locked cars on most parking lots in Tennessee — i ncluding at most workplaces — against the business owner’s objections without fear of state or local criminal charges.
But while there’ll be no government intervention, their employer can still fire or otherwise sanction them for violating company policy. And non-permit holders can still face criminal charges.
That’s the gist of the debate over the guns-inparking-lots bill that won final legislative approval 72-22 on Thursday in the state House. The contentious measure, sought by gun advocates since 2009, now goes to Gov. Bill Haslam.
“The governor will review this bill, like he does all bills, when it comes to his desk, but he will likely sign it,” press secretary David Smith said.
Approval came after Republican leaders swiftly tabled 13 amendments on both sides of the issue. Some of the failed amendments would have protected employees with gun permits from employer sanctions, and others would have banned guns in vehicles at schools, pre- schools, day care centers, college campuses, airports and other safety-sensitive places.
The bill essentially removes criminal penalties only for valid gun-carry permit holders who keep guns and ammunition in their locked, personally owned vehicles on virtually any parking lot in Ten- nessee. Only occupants of single-family, detached houses and certain highly secure federal facilities where federal law bans guns can prohibit visitors from bringing guns onto their property with the threat of criminal charges by police.
But the sponsors repeatedly acknowledged the bill will still allow employers to set and enforce policies against guns on their property, including inside employees’ cars. Because Tennessee is an “at will” employment state, employers can fire employees at will for any reason, they said.
House Democratic Leader Mike Turner of Nashville asked, “Under this bill, can an employer terminate a gun-permit holder if he brings a gun on his property, in his parking lot?”
“The answer is yes,” said Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby.
Turner: “Well what are we doing here if we’re still allowing them to terminate somebody? Are we passing a bill that doesn’t do anything?”
Republican leaders told party members during a caucus recess that the National Rifle Association supports the bill but that some “fringe” gun groups do not because it still allows employer sanctions and applies only to permit holders. The Tennessee Firearms Association has denounced the measure as the “Lose Your Job if You Commute Act.”
All West Tennessee Republicans voted for the bill except Rep. Curry Todd of Collierville, who was not present. His gun- carry permit is under suspension after he pleaded guilty in January to charges of DUI and possession of a gun while under the influence.
All West Tennessee Democrats voted against the bill except Rep. John DeBerry of Memphis, who voted for it.