(NASHVILLE, TN), February 22, 2012 -- Two bills designed to improve a gun owner's right to self-defense began their journey through the legislative process on Tuesday.  Senate Bills 3002 and 2992, sponsored by Sen. Mike Faulk (R - Church Hill), were presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee, as several witnesses, including National Rifle Association (NRA) State Liasion Heidi Keisling, testified in support of the bill.
 
"Together these bills will prevent employers from discriminating and enforcing policies against the storage of lawfully-owned firearms in employees' private motor vehicles,” said Senator Faulk. “Tennessee has already recognized that private vehicles are an extension of our homes. These bills acknowledge this and our Second Amendment rights.”

Other witnesses testifying in support of the bill told lawmakers that they were employed in a high crime area and desired to carry for protection purposes traveling to and from their workplace. 

Senate Bill 3002 as introduced will recognize that hard-working Tennesseans' right to self-defense does not end when the drive onto their employer's property or into publicly accessible parking lots. It will allow firearms to be stored out of sight in a locked vehicle, while providing employer immunity from liability for any damages.
 
Senate Bill 2992 is firearm discrimination prevention legislation that will protect law-abiding gun owners from anti-gun policies put in place by employers across the state, including forced employer firearm registration, random vehicle searches, and "gun zone" parking lots for gun owning employees.

"I'm humbled to be asked by the NRA to be its Senate sponsor for this significant legislation,” added Faulk.

Both Senate Committees will hear the bills again on March 6 when members are expected to vote on the proposal.

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