Guns-in-parks bill passes Senate 26-7

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A measure to do away with local government’s power to decide whether to allow firearms in public parks has passed the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Stacey Campfield of Knoxville was approved 26-7.

The Legislature in 2009 gave city and county governments the ability to opt out of a new law that allowed firearms in public parks, playgrounds and sports fields.

Under Campfield’s proposal, permit holders would be allowed to carry, unless there’s a school function.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam has said he has concerns about the bill.

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