Guns in parking lots bill delayed in Senate panel

Friday, February 10, 2012, Vol. 36, No. 6

NASHVILLE (AP) - The sponsor of a bill seeking to guarantee workers' rights to store firearms in vehicles parked on company lots has delayed a committee vote on the measure until next month.

Republican Sen. Mike Faulk said in a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on Tuesday that he wants supporters of the measure to speak to the panel next week, and opponents to voice their opinions before a vote on March 6.

Proponents say the bill is necessary so workers who want to be armed on their commutes have a place to keep their firearms while on the job. Opponents say the measure tramples on businesses' property rights.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam has expressed concern about scope of Faulk's proposal.