The so-called "guns in trunks" bill cleared another hurdle in the Tennessee General Assembly Wednesday, gaining the approval of a House subcommittee and moving one step closer to the desk of Gov. Bill Haslam.
The bill, which would allow valid handgun permit holders to keep guns locked in their vehicles in both public and private parking lots, was approved in a House Civil Justice Subcommittee hearing.
Earlier this week, the measure was approved by the state Senate.
According to an Associated Press report, a hearing and voice vote on the bill took only six minutes. A similar bill introduced last year failed to gain passage during the legislative session.
Proponents of the bill argue it enables citizens to protect themselves during their commutes to and from work. Opponents say the measure infringes on private property rights.
If approved by the House and signed into law by Haslam, the legislation will enable valid handgun permit holders to bring their firearms to work, as long as they are safely stowed and securely locked away in their own vehicles.
