I am appalled at what your relaxation of TN gun laws is creating. In TN, Rs propose that anyone with an enhanced handgun permit is deemed a "law enforcement officer." House Bill 2554, an Act to amend the TN Code annotated, Title 39 relative to firearms. This bill expands the definition of Law Enforcement Officer to include anyone who has been issued a handgun carry permit. The direct effect of this change would be to allow permit holders to carry anywhere, any time regardless of other law. Signing the law that allows unlicensed, untrained, unrestrained individuals to concealed or open carry handguns in TN was one of the worst things you have done as Governor. TN is experiencing a tsunami of handguns being carelessly left in automobiles and inside TN homes. Just this morning there was a piece on WPLN about how teens roam parking lots looking for unlocked cars where they often find unsecured handguns. And now we have the GOP continuation of this move toward “everyone should have a handgun at all times” with the introduction of House Bill 2554. Governor, you’ve already damaged the quality of life in TN beyond comprehension. I strongly urge you to rethink how you can protect the quality of life for the vast majority of Tennesseans. I urge you to voice your opposition to House Bill 2554 and to state your intention to veto the legislation if it makes it to your desk. Tennesseans deserve better.
