'Constitutional carry' efforts die in Tennessee Legislature

A measure that would have dramatically relaxed Tennessee's gun laws and made the state one of the most permissive as far as how and where guns are allowed died in the state House on Wednesday.

Rep. Micah Van Huss, R-Jonesborough, amended his "Open Carry Firearms Freedom Act" to allow carrying of concealed weapons for anyone who is legally allowed to own a firearm. Described as "constitutional carry with a twist," it would have overhauled the state's concealed carry law and allowed almost anyone to carry concealed guns almost anywhere in the state.

"There is a movement of freedom sweeping our nation ... I would very much like to join that movement," Van Huss said to the House Civil Justice Subcommittee.

The measure met resistance in discussion from both Republicans and Democrats. Rep. Martin Daniel, R-Knoxville, said he's aware of statistics that show reduced crime rates where constitutional carry laws are in effect, but said some of his constituents are concerned about the legislation.

Van Huss expected the bill to die, but said he'll continue to fight against what says is an "infringement" on Second Amendment rights by attaching fines and costs.

"I think Tennesseans are ready for (constitutional carry) but the Legislature isn't," Van Huss said after the vote.

A more direct constitutional carry bill from Rep. Andy Holt, R-Dresden, was also killed.

In his presentation, Holt quoted the 18th century legal philosopher Cesare Beccaria, who said laws prohibiting weapons threaten the unarmed more than protecting the armed.

"The same is true 253 years later," Holt said.

Gov. Bill Haslam is opposed to constitutional carry.

The subcommittee meeting was full of other measures that reduce penalties for carrying a gun without a permit and allow elected district attorneys general to carry guns if they're trained. A few bills from Democrats aimed to do the opposite by creating minimum offenses for crimes that involve guns, for instance.

In the Senate, a bill from Majority Leader Mark Norris passed a committee that would increase penalties for felons who have guns.

Currently 13 states have laws that allow guns to be carried almost anywhere in the state, and more than a dozen others are considering similar legislation.

Jake Lowary covers Tennessee politics and state government for the USA Today Network. Reach him at 615-881-7039 or follow him on Twitter @JakeLowary.