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Tennessee Attorney General Opinion on Carry in Government Buildings

Started by BluegrassColonel, February 17, 2022, 01:15:26 PM

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BluegrassColonel

February 17, 2022, 01:15:26 PM
If you live in, or frequent, Tennessee and carry a firearm, you should be aware of a new state attorney general opinion. 

Since passage of a revision of state statute in 2017 it has been an un-clarified issue whether entering a building where judicial proceedings occur is off-limits at all times when carrying, or just when judicial proceedings is occurring.  Prior to the revision the act said "room."   It was changed to "building."

Don't assume anything when it comes to entering a government building.  Even if there are only administrative judicial proceedings occurring (a judicial hearing on zoning, for example), you could be subject to felony changes if you enter while carrying and such a proceeding is in process.

The following quote is from attorney John Harris, III, Executive Director of the Tennessee Firearms Association.  The TFA is a big supporter of Project Appleseed.

QuoteJanuary 31, 2022

New Attorney General Opinion 22-01 explores how buildings where judicial proceedings may occur may or may not be gun free zones
AG Opinion 22-01

The report on this opinion is on the TFA's News feed due to its length.  Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver submitted 7 questions to the Attorney General for analysis.  The analysis that was received demonstrates that buildings in which "judicial proceedings" are or might occur are a huge risk for citizens that can result in felony charges.  Indeed, a citizen might enter the building on one day carrying her handgun and be perfectly legal but then go back the next day and be arrested on felony charges for entering the same building with the only variable being whether some judge somewhere in the building is engaged in "judicial proceedings" which might include nothing more than a conference call in the judge's chambers involving attorneys. 

This dangerous situation arose in 2017 from a statutory change that substituted the word "building" for "room" which change the Republicans voted for notwithstanding the real dangers and criminal traps that they were creating. See, Section 5 of Public Chapter 467 (2017) House Bill 508 by Rep. Lamberth and Sen. Stevens.

John Harris
Executive Director
johnharris@tennesseefirearms.com
My father didn't serve in WWII.  It wasn't for lack of trying.  He attempted to enlist 3 separate times.  The last time the doctor said he was too short.  He responded that he signed up again because he said he saw a poster that was recruiting short men to be pilots.  The doctor said, "Short, yes.  But this is ridiculous."  In my book, he's still a hero.

CarrollMS

#1
February 19, 2022, 09:38:24 AM
Courthouse. Same in Kentucky, and more here http://kentuckystatepolice.org/ccdw/ccdw-home/restrictions/
"Pro Libertate"
Distinguished,
Known Distance,
Rimfire KD 200
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