What Does The New Permitless Carry Exception Tell Us About Who Failed True Constitutional Carry In Tennessee?
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Published April 14, 2021
By John Harris [Tennessee Firearms Association] –
Tennessee has had the opportunity this year to pass real constitutional carry. It failed to achieve that goal.
But, it did manage to pass a law that continues to make it a crime in Tennessee for someone to carry a firearm with the intent to go armed but which now creates an “exception” to that law if the person can satisfy about 7 qualifications, some of which are more stringent than federal laws restricting who can purchase a firearm.
Some legislators described this law, using different terms, as the most that they could get this year. An obvious question is why? Why was it with a Republican super majority and a Republican governor that this was all that could be achieved?
Some have indicated that it was because there were many, perhaps a third of the House Republicans, that would not support real constitutional carry.
If so, it would be a great service to conservatives in Tennessee for those legislative insiders to name names – tell the voters which legislators would not support real constitutional carry so that the voters can try to change their minds or, if necessary, replace them. Right now, not a single legislator has been naming names.
Even without the names of those who would have blocked real constitutional carry, we do have the names of those who refused to support even the governor’s permitless carry exception.
The negative votes by Democrats are no surprise although there are some Democrats like John Mark Windle who did and typically do vote for 2nd Amendment issues.
The negative votes by Republicans – once you understand who they are – are no surprise either and perhaps they will see primary challengers.
The big question remains and those inside the legislature likely know the answer – which other legislators, mainly those who identify as Republicans – are the reason why various leaders in the Legislature kept offering the excuse that real constitutional carry was simply unattainable this year.
Who are these elected officials who would not stand true to support removing infringements on your rights?
Senators voting “No” on Senate Bill 765:
Raumesh Akbari – D
Richard Briggs – R
Heidi Campbell – D
Brenda Gilmore – D
Brian Kelsey – R
Sara Kyle – D
Becky Duncan Massey – R
Katrina Robinson – D
Jeff Yarbro – D
Ferrell Haile – R is not recorded with any vote
House members voting “No” on House Bill 786:
Bill Beck – D
Karen Camper – D
Jesse Chism – D
John Ray Clemmons – D
Barbara Cooper – D
Vincent Dixie – D
Bob Freeman – D
John Gillespie – R
Yusuf Hakeem – D
G. A. Hardaway – D
Torrey Harris – D
Patsy Hazlewood – R
Jason Hodges – D
Darren Jernigan – D
Gloria Johnson – D
London Lamar – D
Harold Love – D
Eddie Mannis – R
Sam McKenzie – D
Larry Miller – D
Bo Mitchell – D
Antonio Parkinson – D
Jason Potts – D
Jason Powell – D
Johnny Shaw – D
Mike Stewart – D
Dwayne Thompson – D
Mark White – R
Sam Whitson – R
The following were not recorded with a vote:
David Byrd – R
Mike Carter – R
Kelly Keisling – R
Brandon Ogles – R
Bob Ramsey – R
Joe Towns – D
Thank you John. You articulated the facts clearly. As we had discussed last year, this is not a true constitutional carry bill, only an appeasement. We could have done far better. In the District of Columbia v. Heller, case the U.S. Supreme Court on in 2008, held (5–4) that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual the right to possess firearms independent of service in a state militia and to use firearms for traditionally lawful purposes, including self-defense within the home. It was the first Supreme Court case to explore the meaning of the Second Amendment since United States v. Miller (1939). The 2nd amendment. The Obama administration and the states paid little attention to this ruling which upheld the Vermont Carry law during the turn of the century. We obviously need to recruit better candidates to run next election. Last time I looked, we were still considered a red state?
Bill
Those R’s that are not recorded with a vote – are they all RINOs? I’ve aways thought that is a cowardly way to do things.
The op-rd by John Harris (Tennessee Firearms Association) is very difficult to comprehend as my understanding of the Carry Bill signed by Gov. Lee does provide constitutional Carry of a firearm with a very few exceptions! What is/was John trying to say is WRONG with this bill?
I’d like to know that too…
I’ve written my house delegation. I’ve heard back from one of the three and I’d like for you to correct this article….Brandon Ogles was NOT a ‘NO’ vote, he’s been out sick for weeks with double pneumonia and has not been able to vote on any bills. Please correct this article.
Brandon Ogles appears under the “The following were not recorded with a vote” list.
There needs to be a concerted effort to replace all TN representatives and senators who will not uphold constitutional law and conservative values. Other than by voting, how can an individual stir the pot per se?
I read this article and still do not understand what they are talking about. The governor signed the constitutional carry bill so what is the problem. It goes into effect July 1 2021