By Suzie Ziegler
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee bill that seeks to expand gun rights has drawn concern, criticism and confusion among police officers and others. According to WREG, the bill would expand the state’s definition of “law enforcement officer” to include non-sworn citizens who hold certain gun permits. One firearms instructor even likened the bill to a “regression to the Old West,” ABC News reported.
County officials worried the legislation could create problems for police.
“It would create confusion and unnecessary chaos for law enforcement officers,” said Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich to WREG.
According to the report, the bill would allow citizens with enhanced handgun carry permits to take guns into private businesses that ordinarily prohibit firearms.
Rep. Chris Hurt, one of the bill’s sponsors, says the bill doesn’t mean ordinary gun holders will get law enforcement powers.
“The intent of HB 2554 is to reduce restrictions on enhanced gun carry permit holders,” Hurt said in a statement. “It does not intend to mean that a person with the enhanced gun carry permit should be viewed as a law enforcement officer.”
Hurt says the bill has been the subject of “much confusion” and he is working to “further clarify the language.”
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