Gun advocates want ability to bring guns to work parking lots

NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -

It's an issue that has the business community and Second Amendment advocates at odds. Should permit holders be allowed to bring their guns on their commute to work?

Gun advocates want to be able to keep their guns locked in their cars at their workplace parking lot, and they say this plan needs to happen now, or else lawmakers are breaking promises.

Chris Smith knows a thing or two about gun permit holders. After all, he provides the training in order for them to get the permit.

"We're talking about law-abiding citizens. They want to defend their life, and they go through the proper training," said Smith, of Guns and Leather Inc.

Three years ago, state lawmakers made several changes to where permit holders would be allowed to bring their guns. But Second Amendment advocates say they haven't seen any movement on a plan to allow permit holders to keep their guns locked in their cars in their workplace parking lots.

"They want to feel safe while they are commuting, that they can have their firearms with them," said John Harris, with the Tennessee Firearms Association.

Second Amendment advocates are furious and feel like House leaders have betrayed them.

"Frankly, it's a litmus test in do you really believe in the Constitution or are you more beholden to corporate money," Harris said.

House leaders say they feel like they have done a lot to advance Second Amendment issues in the past few years, but they say there are other issues they must tackle.

"We have been focused on what we know what people of Tennessee want us to work on. Our economy needs to be looked at, and we want to make sure it's a job-friendly state," said Rep. Debra Maggart, R-Hendersonville.

Gun owners like Smith can see both sides of the argument, but for them, in the end it is about a fundamental right.

"They went through the proper training. They are going to keep that firearm locked up in their vehicle. That's their property, and I think the property owners should respect that," Smith said.

Senate leaders, including Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, have expressed a willingness to pass this bill this year.

However, it was delayed in a Senate committee late Tuesday afternoon.

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Gun advocates want ability to bring guns to work parking lots