NASHVILLE (AP) — A coalition of business and law enforcement groups is urging lawmakers to abandon a bill that would allow employees to store guns in their vehicles at work, calling the proposal a "major infringement on private property rights."

The letter, which was sent to all 132 lawmakers on Thursday, said the legislation aims to curtail the rights of private property owners by "forcing them to allow firearms to be carried onto their premises — even if the property owner objects."

While the legislative website describes the legislation as applying to "individuals licensed to carry," the bill itself makes no reference to state-issued handgun carry permits, meaning it could apply to any gun owner in the state.

"The proposed law is a major infringement on private property rights," the letter said. "Supporters of this legislation argue that this enhances individual rights, but you cannot expand rights for one person by restricting the rights of another."

Supporters of the guns in parking lots measure include the Tennessee Firearms Association, which has urged its members to lean on lawmakers not to allow the "employee safe commute" bill to be pushed aside.

The association issued a release Thursday that said the House leadership is seeking to kill the bill to "appease the big business ... big money investors in House leadership."

"Sadly for conservatives, this support is apparently based more on Chicago style influence peddling for dollars rather than supporting bills based on conservative and constitutional principles that directly impact the citizens," the release said.

Previous attempts to allow guns on college campuses have drawn heavy resistance from the state's higher education system, while the guns in parking lots measure has been vehemently opposed by business interests.

The Tennessee Bankers Association and the Hospital Alliance of Tennessee are among the 18 entities in the letter, which also includes the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police.

The Senate version of the proposal is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee next week, while the companion bill has been stuck in a House subcommittee since early last month.

Republican House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick of Chattanooga is proposing a competing bill that would narrow eligibility to "employees who possess a valid handgun carry permit."

Rep. Eddie Bass, the sponsor of the original House proposal, said he hasn't talked to McCormick, but the Prospect Democrat said he just wants "the best bill for the people."

Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey told reporters later Thursday that he expects a compromise to be reached on the issue.

"It will be a compromise that protects property rights, and at the same time allows law-abiding, handgun permit carrying people to take their guns in places that seem legitimate," said the Blountville Republican.