Lot’s of anti’s here, but the TFA and TGO outnumber them. The anti’s are basically only the plaintiffs (Rayburn) and lawyers in the restaurant carry lawsuit. Also, there are several news cameras here. Cara Kumari from the local NBC affiliate is the only reporter I’ve seen, but she’s generally fair.
Before the meeting started, I had conversations with several sources that say what’s going to happen is that Todd’s bill (3125) is going to be ammended to fix some of the objectionable stuff like mandatory jailtime for carrying in a posted bar, but ONLY if you have a carry permit. If you carried without a permit in that same bar, you’d just get a ticket.
Starting with 3125, Todd speaking. Ammendment makes the bill.
Sontany starts the discussion, displaying a lack of knowledge of the current law, opining that its an undue burden to make places post 1359 signage at every entrance door. Then she moves on to say that we shouldnt be talking about this since its in court. Asks Todd to roll the bill for a week, which he declines.
Dan Haskell, lobbyist for THA. Asks to defer to next week, because of rules on notice. Then says that the scope of the bill is too large. Also, too many signs, specifically for Opryland Hotel. Posting is too confusing. “Let the courts sort this out.”
Todd speaking again. Bill is very clear, and the THA is not going to be happy with any bill, no matter what it says.
Rep Eddie Bass (Committee Member and former sherriff) speaks for the bill. Law enforcement on the ground is for this bill. If a carry permit holder somewhere violates this law, it’ll be on the news for 3 weeks. You can carry in MacDonald’s for the last 15 years and no one cared.
HB 3125 passes and goes to full committee.
Moving on to other bills…
1801 goes to full committee.
1805, 1806, 1807 taken off notice.
1808, 1809 goes to full committee.
2718. Bill as ammended will prevent the UT system from banning all students from legally owning, using, or handling weapons when not at school. Anthony Haynes from UT speaks, says that the Chancellor overreacted. UT will not pursue the actions that this bill is attempting to prevent. Goes to full committee.
2567 goes to full committee.
3712. Taken off notice.
2422. Hardaway’s gun show bill.”It’s only appropriate that I end these gun bills.” Invokes Bloomberg, says there is a gun show loophole. Rolls to next week.
[...] A report from the sub hearing. [...]