The Tennessee House of Representatives is processing two bills that propose changes to the laws governing the sale and ownership of firearms within the state of Tennessee.

The first bill, sponsored by House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada, which governs the sale of firearms in Tennessee, was passed by the state House Thursday with a vote of 82-11. Four representatives abstained from the vote.

Under this bill, Tennessee firearm merchants will not be required to take the thumbprints of people buying guns. This supposed security measure was seen as a complete waste of money by the state representatives. Over the past 10 years, which has seen the sale of 2.3 million guns in the state of Tennessee, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has asked for one thumbprint. That one thumbprint was unusable as it was so badly smudged.

In an interview with The Tennessean, Casada said, “Gun dealers — like businessmen like you or I — don't know how to give that thumbprint professionally. This bill is about doing away with a process that is not functional and not useful.”

HB 0233, the second bill pertaining to firearm laws in Tennessee, is set to be voted on in the state House and the state Senate in the coming weeks.

Under present laws, it is illegal for a person to carry a firearm in an enclosed public space where alcohol is served. However under the new bill, citizens will be able to carry their guns into local restaurants, as long as they have their permit and are not drinking any alcohol. However, bars will be exempt from the new bill, as it will uphold the ban of guns in any place with an age restriction.

Although Vanderbilt University will not be affected directly by the passage of the two bills as it is a private institution, popular restaurants included in the Taste of Nashville program will be affected. “The passage of these two bills should not directly affect Vanderbilt students whilst they are on campus,” said Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief of VUPD Cathy Ryan.
However, off campus, these two bills may affect students as guns may soon be legal in local restaurants such as Chili’s and TGI Fridays.