Given the current climate with respect to gun control and background checks, this is an interesting turn of events. According to WREG.Com, The Tennessee Legislature is putting forth a bill that would exempt handgun permit owners form undergoing background checks when purchasing a firearm.
Given the general controversy following the Tuscon where a federal judge and other bystanders were killed and wounded, and where Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and several others were seriously wounded. There has been in some circles call for stricter enforcement of background checks for firearms purchases. Mayor Michale Bloomberg is leading other public officials and church groups in pursuit of stricter enforcement of this type of background check, especially at private gun shows.
Another proposal was claiming it is not an occupational hazard for employers to allow workers with handgun permits to carry their weapons on the job. That measure is headed for a full Senate vote after also passing the Senate Judiciary Committee 8-1.
There was a third measure. Anyone who owns land in Tennessee would not need to apply for a handgun permit. That bill was withdrawn from consideration.