TFA Shelby County Meeting July 16th

From my TFA email alert - anyone in Shelby County or surrounding areas that would like to attend, this meeting is open to the public:

TFA / Range USA Seminar: How To Legally Carry & Protect Yourself with Firearms

At Tennessee Firearms Association events we have people from all walks of life, concerned about the rampant violent crime in the Memphis area, ask us how they could take responsibility for their safety and that of their families, by arming themselves. Additionally, I have had e-mails and phone calls from people asking how and where they can learn about getting a handgun carry permit.

As a service to the community, the July meeting of the Shelby County TFA Chapter will be devoted to answering these questions. And, there will be valuable information for those of us that have been carrying guns for years too.

As with all of our meetings, we welcome new TFA members, but IT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

The Shelby County Chapter of the Tennessee Firearms Association will meet Thursday, 7/16/09 at 7:00 PM at Range USA:

http://www.rangeusa.com/

2770 Whitten Rd. in Memphis.

Range USA, Inc. is the number one issuer of handgun carry permit training certificates in Tennessee. Range USA Owner, Scott Kilby, is one of TFA's biggest supporters and a true friend to Liberty. Chip Holland, Lead Instructor and Training Director for Range USA, will conduct a seminar on protecting yourself with, and legal carrying of, firearms.

Chip is a Lieutenant with the Madison County, TN, Sheriff's Department with over 20 years of law enforcement experience. He is presently the Assistant Commander of the Madison County Sheriff's Department Tactical Unit. He has served as a counter sniper, entry team member, and currently serves as the entry team leader. His accomplishments are too long to list here, but we will do so at the meeting.

There will be a drawing for a Range USA range pass. We'll promptly adjourn at 8:30. I look forward to seeing you there.

In Liberty,

Pat McGarrity

At Your Service - Shelby County TFA Director

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FLASH - Take Action

Forwarding another Take Action email from Tennessee Firearms Association.
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Tennessee Firearms Association, Inc.
Legislative Action Committee

CALL YOUR PERSONAL LEGISLATOR AND URGE THEM TO SPEAK WITH THE MEMBERS OF THIS SUBCOMMITTEE

http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/

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STATE OF TENNESSEE

106th General Assembly

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Criminal Practice and Procedure of JUD

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - HHR31 - 12:00 PM

Watson, Chair; Sontany, Vice-Chair;

Bass, Camper, Faulkner, Matheny

1. HB 0082 by *Shaw (*SB 0019 by *Gresham, Ford, O.)

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, authorizes current and retired judges who possess a handgun carry permit to carry a firearm under same circumstances and conditions as law enforcement officers and correctional officers. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

Fiscal Summary: MINIMAL

TFA OPPOSES THIS LEGISLATION. TFA OPPOSES any legislation which has the effect of granting special privileges to civilians depending on work related criteria and/or prior service (e.g., retired officers, former military). If “current and retired” judges need to carry when they are not working as a judge, then they need to obtain a civilian permit.

2. *HB 0411 by *Pitts (SB 0383 by *Barnes)

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, creates Class A misdemeanor offense of attempting to buy firearm when prohibited by law from possessing firearm and attempting or selling firearm to person known to be prohibited by law from possessing firearm. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

Fiscal Summary: Increase Local Revenue - Not Significant

Increase Local Expenditures - Not Significant

Increase State Revenue - Not Significant

Increase State Expenditures - Not Significant

TFA OPPOSES THIS LEGISLATION. It proposes to create a new crime which, according to the fiscal summary, has no apparent costs related to enforcement which means that it would not be applied. Federal law already adequately deals with purchases and attempted purchases by prohibited persons.

3. *HB 0959 by *McCord (SB 1126 by *Norris)

Handgun Permits - As introduced, makes information contained in handgun carry permit applications and renewals, information provided to agencies to investigate applicant, and records maintained relative to the permit application confidential and creates Class A fine only misdemeanor of unauthorized publication of permit information or records. - Amends TCA Section 10-7-504 and Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

Fiscal Summary: Not Available

TFA SUPPORTS THIS BILL.

4. *HB 0960 by *McCord (SB 1518 by *Burchett)

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, authorizes person with handgun carry permit to possess firearm in local, state, or federal parks. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13 and Title 70.

Fiscal Summary: Not Available

TFA SUPPORTS THIS LEGISLATION – No Restricting Amendments!

5. *HB 0961 by *McCord (SB 1519 by *Burchett)

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, authorizes person with handgun carry permit to possess firearm in a refuge, public hunting area, wildlife management area, or on national forest land. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13 and Title 70.

Fiscal Summary: Not Available

TFA SUPPORTS THIS LEGISLATION – No Restricting Amendments!

6. *HB 0962 by *McCord (SB 1127 by *Jackson, Norris)

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, allows person with handgun carry permit to carry in restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages as long as such person is not consuming alcoholic beverages and such restaurant is not an age-restricted venue. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17.

Fiscal Summary: Not Available

TFA SUPPORTS BILLS TO ALLOW PERMIT HOLDERS TO CARRY IN RESTAURANTS. This bill has a pending amendment, however, which will defeat this purpose by adding a “curfew” of from 9pm to 11pm on permit holders only relative to eating in such an establishment. The proposed amendment also has a restriction on “age restricted” locations such that permit holders would not be allowed in those establishments no matter what the time may be.

7. *HB 0716 by *Niceley (SB 0976 by *Faulk)

Handgun Permits - As introduced, allows any resident who has a valid handgun carry permit to possess a handgun while within the boundaries of any state park. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13 and Title 70.

Fiscal Summary: Not Available

TFA HB 0960 and 0961 as having better language on a similar topic.

8. *HB 0414 by *Windle (SB 0565 by *Yager)

Correction, Dept. of - As introduced, authorizes inmate relations coordinators to carry firearms to same extent as correctional officers. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

Fiscal Summary: Not Available

TFA neutral so long as is “on the job” only.

9. *HB 0254 by *Casada (SB 0554 by *Norris)

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, deletes requirement that the purchaser of a firearm give a thumbprint as part of background check process and that the TBI furnish thumbprint cards and pads to firearm dealers. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

Fiscal Summary: Not Available

TFA SUPPORTS THIS LEGISLATION!

11. *HB 0070 by *Fincher (SB 0474 by *Berke)

Criminal Procedure - As introduced, deletes subsection in self-defense law providing that a person not justified in use of deadly force to prevent or terminate trespass on real property or unlawful interference with personal property. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 11, Part 6.

Fiscal Summary: Decrease State Revenue - Not Significant

Decrease State Expenditures - Not Significant

Decrease Local Revenue - Not Significant

Decrease Local Expenditures - Not Significant

TFA SUPPORTS THIS LEGISLATION

12. HB 0615 by *Todd (*SB 0170 by *Ketron)

Public Records - As introduced, makes confidential all information furnished by a witness during the course of certain investigations. - Amends TCA Title 10.

Fiscal Summary: Not Available

TFA SUPPORTS THIS LEGISLATION

13. *HJR 0032 by *West

General Assembly, Studies - Creates special joint committee to study Tennessee's gun laws. -

Fiscal Summary: Not Available

TFA SUPPORTS THIS LEGISLATION

~~~~~end email alert~~~~

FLASH - Take Action!

Just received this email alert from Attorney John Harris with Tennessee Firearms Association and I'm sharing it here. This requires our action immediately! See "red" paragraph below and read on!
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Tennessee Firearms Association, Inc.
Legislative Action Committee

Apparently without notice ascertainable from the State's web site, the House Judiciary had a "Handgun Study Committee" meeting on Thursday February 19, 2009. Rep. McCord, during the meeting which was video taped, stated that this study committee had been in existence for approximately 11 years and that it has been studying these bill issues and generating reports. I have yet to see any of these reports.

One aspect of this that is troubling is the fact that there is no notice or agenda for the meeting. For example, if you pull up the legislative web page for HB0962 (restaurant carry) at http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0962 there is no mention of the bill being assigned to a study committee, there is no evidence that the bill was considered in a study committee on February 19, there is no evidence of the printed "amendment" that they discussed, nor is there is evidence of a report or recommendation on the bill itself. In addition, it is clear from comparing the video to the version of the bill that is on the state's web site that they are not discussing the same language.

The committee video is obtained at this link: http://tnga.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=88&clip_id=314

The committee was chaired by Rep. Joe McCord (R. Maryville) Other members included Rep. Curry Todd (R. Collierville), Rep. Mike Stewart (D. Nashville), Rep. Harry Tindell (D. Knoxville), and Rep. Ulysses Jones (D. Shelby).

The purpose of the committee was to generate a "committee report".

They focused on 4 bills. These were restaurant carry, confidentiality list, wildlife management carry and state parks carry.

Restaurant Carry. HB0962 Much discussion on this issue and the problem in the minds of some of these legislators is again "what is a bar?" The issue they want to focus on is either how to define a bar or how to impose limits that would preclude people from being in restaurants during times that they think are indicative of "bar" and "tavern" problems.

Rep. McCord proposed 2 routes to be used in combination to address the "bar" issue. TFA opposes both by the way.

First, Rep. McCord discusses an outright ban after a certain time in the evening (proposed from 9pm to 11pm). The second part of the bill would ban possession if the establishment is "age restricted" - that is whether the place requires proof of age to enter the establishment.

Rep. Todd stated that he wanted no frame but that an 11pm time frame would be better if there has to be a time frame. Rep. McCord added in to clarify that if the restaurant started carding prior to the time cutoff, then it would automatically become a restricted property which means people would have to get up and leave. Rep. Stewart said that he felt the 11pm deadline was too late and he recommended 9pm (that shows a lot of trust in gun owners now doesn't it?). Finally, Rep. Todd moved to make the cutoff 11pm which carried on a voice vote.

They also discussed what the law should be relative to a hotels (e.g., Opryland) that have restaurants. Rep. Todd expressed the belief that any such hotel is completely off limits, presumably even in the private rooms, but Rep. McCord suggested that this issue be deferred to the full committee.

Confidentiality of Records HB0959 The "Commercial Appeal" poster child. Recommended without debate.

Parks HB0960 Rep. McCord notes that the federal government change encourages this change in the law. Rep. Jones asked about city parks. Recommended without debate.

Wildlife Management Areas HB0961 Similar to the parks bill. Recommended without debate.

Although we have been unable to locate a calendar for the week of February 23, it was announced at the close of the committee meeting that all the "gun bills" would be in the House Judiciary Criminal Practices committee meeting on Wednesday, February 25.

NOW IS THE TIME TO CALL PARTICULARLY ON THE RESTAURANT ISSUE.

Call YOUR House Members. You can look them up at this link: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/

The principal issue of concern on this list is that this study committee is recommending restrictions on the restaurant bill which we have historically opposed. It is obvious that some House members are in favor of severe restrictions through time limits (e.g., 9pm to 5am) on the restaurants if they support the legislation. They also want to impose restrictions based on whether the restaurant is "age restricted".

TFA historically opposes any such restrictions because the permit holder remains subject to the no consumption rule. For example, what would be the consequence at a New Year's Eve party - are permit holders going to be required to leave by 9pm, 10pm etc.?

Also, what happens if its a busy night - say Valentines - and you get to the restaurant early but there is an hour wait, and then there are delays in the food delivery. Do you have to get up and leave to disarm yourself if the time runs out? Well, based on the comment by Rep. McCord that "carding" would trigger an immediate status change (even if you were unaware) then presumably Rep. McCord would also state that if your meal was delayed past the 9, 10 or 11pm cutoff that you would have to leave the premises or at least leave long enough to disarm and secure your weapon in your vehicle (if you drove).

These types of restrictions are clear evidence that there are still many members of the Tennessee General Assembly who just simply do not want to trust handgun permit holders to behave. We don't need curfews and restrictions and we need to make sure they know that!
~~~~~end of email alert~~~~~

TFA Radio News

Here's another news flash from our friends at Tennessee Firearms Association about an upcoming 2 hour radio broadcast for listeners in Tennessee and elsewhere:

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Tennessee Firearms Association, Inc.
Legislative Action Committee

With the help of Bob Pope and other radio sources, TFA representatives are receiving a significant amount of time on the air and on internet streaming sources talking about the interests of gun owners and hunters in Tennessee this year.

This week, on Thursday, 2/19/09, Pat McGarrity (TFA's Shelby Chapter leader), John Harris and GOA Executive Director, Larry Pratt, will be guests on the nationally syndicated radio program, News & Views, from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM CST with hosts who are also TFA Members, Chuck Bates and Dr. Larry Bates.

The show will also be live on News & Views, which is heard nationally as well as across Tennessee in Memphis on AM 1600 WMQM, Nashville on AM 1300 WNQM, and the Tri-Cities on WMCH AM 1260.

www.irnusanews.com

The two hour program will be an in depth discussion of the 2nd Amendment and how to protect it on a local, state and national basis. We may also get into topics such as weapon selection, carry options, tactics and self defense. Chuck and Larry Bates are true defenders of our gun rights and we appreciate this opportunity.
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Tennessee Firearms Association

Here is the latest update from Tennessee Firearms Association. If you are not familiar with this organization that works very hard to protect Second Amendment issues in our state, please click on the link above - you'll find them VERY worthy of your support!

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Tennessee Firearms Association, Inc.
Legislative Action Committee

A few quick updates

1. The Tennessee legislative bill cutoff is Thursday, Feb. 12 for the Senate. If you are working with any Senators on legislation, make sure that a bill or bills on your issues are introduced by Thursday. I have seen already drafts of more than 50 bills on 2nd Amendment issues and I expect the total bill filings for all bills will jump by more than a thousand this week.

2. Nashville RK Gun Show. I know its Valentines' weekend but its also the RK Show at the Williamson Ag Center this weekend. TFA members are working the booth and we need more volunteers because we would like to have 3 to 10 volunteers at the booth area at any one time - it really makes a difference. You don't have to commit to an entire day but just a few hours is all we ask, particularly if you are coming to the show anyhow. PLEASE - whether you work a gun show or not remember to ALWAYS wear your TFA shirts and hats when attending gun shows and similar events.

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