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Panel sends amended bill loosening automatic penalties for permit holders who enter posted private property to full judiciary
Summary
After testimony from the Department of Safety raising security concerns, the committee voted 5‑2 to advance HB 9‑85 as amended; the bill removes an automatic criminal penalty and mandatory permit suspension for lawful handgun‑permit holders who enter posted private property without noticing signage and instead treats refusal to leave as trespass.
Representative Renaud explained that HB 9‑85 would remove an automatic criminal penalty and mandatory permit suspension for lawful handgun‑permit holders who merely walk past posted private‑property signage. "This legislation simply ensures that the criminal penalty follows a refusal to comply, not merely just walking past the sign," Renaud said.
Graham Tudor, director of legislation for the Tennessee Department of Safety, testified the change would allow more guns into state offices and shift the burden to state facilities without additional screening or funding. "The Department of Safety has some serious concerns with this legislation... We feel this will allow more guns in state offices," Tudor said. Committee members debated signage standards, enforcement in public buildings and whether the bill preserves existing statutory gun-free zones such as educational institutions; after extended discussion the committee voted 5 ayes, 2 nos to send the amended bill to full judiciary.
