Guns in parking lots bill appears dead for now

NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -

A bill to allow guns in parking lots is pretty much dead for the year. The legislation, which caused quite a controversy, pits Second Amendment rights against privacy rights.

Tennessee Democrats say they stopped what would have been a big deterrent for new business in the state.

They helped send the so-called "Guns in Parking Lots" bill into a summer study. That means the bill will not advance any further this legislative session.

Thursday, House Republican and Democratic leaders spoke about the bill. State Rep. Mike Turner, D-Old Hickory, chair of the Democratic Caucus, says they dodged a bullet.

He says he supports the Second Amendment, but this measure went too far.

"I believe in the Second Amendment, but it's been broadly interpreted what that means here lately," he said. "I think the next thing you know we'll be carrying guns in the factory cafeteria, so I think they keep reaching on the issue."

Republican leaders say the legislation is not gone forever - it just needs more study before they make a final determination.

"This caucus is dedicated to gun rights, the Second Amendment," said House Speaker Beth Harwell, R-Nashville. "We are also dedicated to property rights, and right now we're trying to merge those to where we get to a point where we are satisfied."

One issue still up for debate is whether to allow any employee to keep a gun in their car or only allow it for gun permit holders.

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Guns in parking lots bill appears dead for now