TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Katharine Heriges on May 4, 2017
A proposal that would put cities and counties that ban guns in public buildings at risk of lawsuits passed the state House yesterday, the Times Free Press reports. The bill asks local authorities to choose between allowing those with handgun permits to bring guns to public locations or else buy metal detectors, hire security and check bags at those locations. It would also offer expanded protections for gun-rights groups to sue on behalf of those who feel slighted by gun restrictions, including being eligible for triple attorney’s fees. The Tennessee Journal reported that in House floor debate, Rep. Bill Dunn, R-Knoxville, and other critics said the provision for lawyers receiving triple the fees they are due for work on a lawsuit is unprecedented in Tennessee. Dunn's amendment to delete the fees provision was killed, 60-32.