NASHVILLE (AP) — A Tennessee bill to eliminate penalties when carry permit holders bring guns to some private properties and immediately leave when they realize firearms are banned is headed toward floor votes.

A House panel voted 12-8 Tuesday to advance the bill toward the floor. Senators are also approaching a floor vote.

Republican Rep. Clark Boyd said his bill would apply to places that are generally open to the public; post about banning guns; and where a reasonable person would consider it legal to carry guns.

Boyd says the bill wouldn't affect businesses barring employees from carrying guns at work.

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America of Tennessee argues the bill would give permit holders free rein to ignore signs and carry guns.

Boyd said the bill shows people mercy.