KNOX NEWS2 Hours Ago

Gov. Haslam: No need for more state gun legislation

by Tom Humphrey

NASHVILLE — Gov. Bill Haslam said Tuesday he sees no need for any more gun legislation at the state level, but in general likes the idea advanced at the federal level of expanded background checks for firearm purchases.

"I think we've addressed the gun laws we need to (address) in Tennessee right now," Haslam said in answering a question posed from the audience at the American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State.

He cited as a capstone of state gun laws legislation signed into law earlier this year that allows handgun permit holders to keep their weapons in a locked vehicle almost anywhere, including the parking lot of employers who prohibit guns on their property.

But at the federal level, the governor said he was open to at least one change.

"I think there has to be a better way to do background checks. ... It makes sense and I think we can do it without infringing on people's Second Amendment rights," he said.

Asked to elaborate later by reporters, Haslam said sees no need for either expansion or restriction of gun rights in Tennessee.

"I think we've addressed the gun laws we need to (address) in Tennessee right now"

"If it was my preference, there wouldn't be any gun legislation brought up in the next (legislative) session," he said. "Now, obviously, we've got 132 people (state legislators) who get to decide what they do. But for me, I think the status quo would be OK."

He declined to give any specifics on background checks, including whether he would support ending what gun control advocates characterize as a the "gun show loophole" in current federal law. Though background checks are required for purchases at retail gun stores, they are not mandatory for sales at gun show events.

"I don't have anything in mind," he said. "I don't know enough to be specific about that. ... I think there are people into that who are further down that road than I am."

The U.S. Senate last month rejected a proposal pushed by President Barack Obama that would have required buyers of firearms online and at gun shows to pass a background check.

Besides the "guns in parking lots" bill, the Legislature also this year approved a bill that makes confidential the state's list of handgun carry permit holders and a measure requiring mental health professionals to report to law enforcement officers people they believe could seriously harm or kill "reasonably identifiable victims."

Those reported under the latter bill could have their names entered in the database for gun buyer background checks, sponsors said, making them ineligible to purchase guns.

Haslam signed both measures and his administration, through Mental Health Commissioner Doug Varney, was involved in drafting the bill on reporting by mental health professionals.

Gov. Haslam: No need for more state gun legislation
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2013/may/28/gov-haslam-no-need-for-more-state-gun/

John Hames