Tennessee Gov. Haslam Reluctantly Signs Park Carry Bill

posted on April 28, 2015

On Friday, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam signed a revised version of HB 995, also known as the “guns in parks” bill. The legislation, which went into effect immediately, allows handgun permit holders to carry in all park areas that are not on school property or within the vicinity of school-sanctioned events.

While previous versions of the bill would have allowed carry in the capitol complex and banned toy guns within 150 feet of schools, Haslam reportedly found the most recent version to be a good compromise, calling it a “vast improvement from the bill as initially introduced.”

National parks have allowed carry with permits since February 2010, so this legislation, which prohibits municipalities from making their own rules regarding park carry, further simplifies the complex patchwork of laws faced by gun owners unwilling to give up their right to self-defense while enjoying sometimes-remote outdoor recreation areas.

Latest

reloading scale
reloading scale

Gun Skills | Reloading 4: Load Refinement

If you are not satisfied with the cartridges you are handloading, there are plenty of avenues for improvement.

Gun Review | Lipsey’s Ruger SP101

The size, configuration and versatility of this gun makes it a fine choice for self-defense.

Supreme Court Upholds ATF Rule on “Firearms,” Unfinished Receivers and Kits

The United States Supreme Court upheld a Biden administration gun-control rule.

More Change is Underway at the ATF

The Trump administration has already ushered in much needed change at the ATF, and this is another important move.

Trump Works To Rescind The Biden-Harris War On Gun Owners

President Trump signed a huge executive order earlier this year that, by its very name, protects the Second Amendment rights of Americans.

The Armed Citizen® March 29, 2025

True stories of the right to keep and bear arms



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.