On March 26, 2025, Tennessee Firearms Association and Gun Owners of
America hosted a joint lobby day at the Tennessee Legislature. We had a
great turnout for the event. One thing that was unusually, is that
several of the House committees had coincidentally scheduled many of the
bills that we were tracking this year for that day. It turned out to
be an interesting day in many ways.
For example, news reports documented what most would classify as an
assault by Rep. Justin Pearson on Rep. Andrew Farmer that took place in
the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee right after the committee voted
against Rep. Pearson’s bill. You should watch the video
to appreciate the lack of decorum involving not just legislators but
guests that now appears so often in the Tennessee Legislature.
Another event in the committee hearings that is worth watching the video
is the testimony of Elizabeth Stroecker, the taxpayer-salaried lobbyist
for the Governor and the Department of Safety, and also Colonel Matt
Perry, both of whom opposed a bill by Rep. Rusty Grills that would
convert the handgun permit to a firearms permit. They are joined by a
Jimmy Musice, a paid lobbyist for the Tennessee Sheriffs Association and
the Chiefs of Police Association. (Start at approximately 20:10)
This “axis” of government tyranny seems to always testify against your
2nd Amendment rights and, it appears, they just make things up. The
problem is that they are paid with your tax dollars to oppress your
civil rights and they do it year in – year out. Pay close attention to
the questions from Rep. Chris Todd starting at 26:45.
Taking a broad look, the Tennessee Legislature continues to
demonstrate that is does not plan to enact REAL Constitutional Carry in
2025 or to make other changes to repeal existing laws that violate the
Second Amendment. The Legislative Leadership – Lt. Gov. Randy McNally,
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, Senator Jack Johnson and Representative
William Lamberth – have given no indication to TFA this week (they did
not even show up to speak with those volunteers who came to Lobby Day)
that that will change or even that they plan to keep their oaths to
protect your rights under the Constitution.
However,
there are a few legislators in both the House and the Senate who are
trying to restore your rights by changing or repealing the
unconstitutional laws in Tennessee. These efforts that were
demonstrated this week or that are expected to be heard next week. Reports on the bills that have had
activity the week of March 24 and those which are scheduled to be heard
the week of March 31 are on the TFA's weekly update post. These legislators and their efforts
need your support because in general it does not appear that they have
the support or encouragement of the Republican Legislative Leadership
and certainly not the support of Lame Duck Lee.
It is important for each member and supporter of Tennessee Firearms
Association to contact their legislators to let their voices be heard.
To aid in that process, Tennessee Firearms Association is providing a
letter writing advocacy tool for your use. Please take the time to
contact your legislators and, when indicated, committee members on
legislation in which you are interested.
If you are aware of other proposed bills related to the Second
Amendment for which you would like to help write a campaign, please
reach out to TFA.
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