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Smyrna council opts into 500-foot school halo as state law limits local firearms bans
Summary
After a public hearing with mixed views, Smyrna’s council approved amendments aligning local code with new Tennessee law and opted into a 500-foot school "halo" that restricts lawful hunting within that buffer while preserving other local prosecution powers for dangerous discharges.
Smyrna’s Town Council voted to amend the municipal code to align with recent Tennessee law and to opt into a 500-foot exclusion zone around schools that narrows where lawful hunting may occur.
At a public hearing, Town Attorney Ben explained that a recent state law and court decisions preempt the town from maintaining a per se ban on firearms or lawful hunting inside town limits; the council’s only remaining local option, he said, is to "opt in" to create a 500-foot halo around schools. Ben cautioned the council that without opting in the town would have no school buffer and "you can hunt right up against the school technically," though local authorities still can prosecute dangerous or reckless discharges under other statutes.
Public comment was split. One resident said arming citizens can deter attacks, arguing that laws barring firearms in parks can disadvantage "the good people." Library patron Claudia Belden said she was unfamiliar with the change and worried about hunting inside corporate limits near children and drivers, saying, "There's just too much of an opportunity for an accident."
After discussion, Councilor [moved and seconded], and the council voted to adopt the code amendments and to opt into the 500-foot school halo. The measure passed with no recorded opposition during the roll call vote.
The ordinance amendments modify Smyrna Municipal Code Title 20, Chapter 2 (possession of firearms in town parks) and Title 11, Chapter 6 (discharge while lawfully hunting) to reflect state preemption while preserving enforcement of reckless discharge and other safety-related offenses. Town staff said police training and internal updates will follow so officers understand how the changes affect enforcement.
What happens next: the ordinance takes effect consistent with the town's adoption procedures; the council and staff said they will notify residents about the change and ensure police are briefed on the updated enforcement parameters.
