Parking Lot Guns Bill Charges Toward House

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A bill to allow Tennessee handgun carry permit holders to store loaded firearms in their vehicles no matter where they’re parked has cleared its final legislative committee before a full state House vote.

The House Civil Justice Committee advanced the measure Wednesday after supporters stressed it would not stop employers from banning weapons on their property.  They say it would simply remove employers’ ability to call for criminal charges against violators. 

Republican Representative Jeremy Faison says his bill would also not apply to areas like airports, railroads or secure facilities governed by federal law. The Senate approved its version earlier this month with GOP leaders seeking to avoid a repeat of last year's drawn-out fight between gun advocates and the business community.