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Knoxville mayor speaks out against Gov. Lee's permitless carry handgun bill

Tyler Whetstone
Knoxville News Sentinel

In a first as mayor, Indya Kincannon is speaking out against proposed legislation in the Republican-dominated General Assembly.

City Council will vote Tuesday on a resolution — requested by Kincannon and supported by Police Chief Eve Thomas — knocking Gov. Bill Lee’s proposal that would allow Tennesseans to carry handguns without obtaining a permit and asking Knox County lawmakers to oppose the bill.

In a statement, Kincannon said the proposal makes Knoxville and all of Tennessee less safe and is a step in the wrong direction.

“Public safety is the fundamental role of city government, so when legislation is proposed that threatens public safety, it is my job to speak out,” she said.

Kincannon and her two daughters were at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church service where a gunman killed two people in 2008.

“I have experienced gun violence first hand, as have too many Knoxville residents,” she continued. “I support the right for law-abiding Tennesseans to own guns, but I also support common sense measures like requiring permits to publicly carry handguns, training and guidance for safe storage to keep our children protected.”

Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said Gov. Bill Lee's permitless carry bill makes Knoxville and all of Tennessee less safe and is a step in the wrong direction.

More:Gov. Bill Lee's permitless carry bill set to bolster penalties for stealing guns

The pushback is a noticeable first for Kincannon, who has been in office less than three months, and gives a glimpse into where she feels her voice is necessary and where she will put her foot down.

Former Mayor Madeline Rogero was known to speak out against legislation from time to time during her eight years in office, oftentimes around issues involving the state attempting to remove local control from the city.

The current makeup of Council is considerably less conservative than previous ones. It is likely to pass the resolution unanimously.

“My first instinct is that it’s frightening to me,” Councilwoman Seema Singh, who works with domestic violence offenders. She said she would have to do more research on the stats from states who have allowed permitless carry, but said it makes her worried for police and for people who work with the public.

Proposed details

Lee announced plans to introduce the legislation last week. While doing away with the carry permit it will also increase penalties for illegal gun possession and thefts.

"The Second Amendment's clear and concise and secures the uninfringed right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms," he said during his announcement. "Today, I'm announcing that we will be joining 16 other states in this nation by introducing a constitutional carry law in the state of Tennessee."

The initiative would allow for both open and concealed carrying of handguns for people 21 and older. The permitless carry right would also be extended to military members who are 18 to 20.

The governor said the legislation is aimed at making theft of a firearm a felony, an offense that is currently a misdemeanor in Tennessee. It will also mandate a six-month incarceration sentence for the crime, up from the current 30-day requirement.

Outdoor public spaces like parks, greenways and campgrounds would be exceptions to the provision, along with areas where carrying guns is currently restricted such as schools, courts and government buildings.

Tennesseans wanting to buy a handgun would still have to pass the federal background check, and people with felonies, orders of protections against them or domestic violence convictions won't qualify for permitless carry.

If approved, sentencing will be enhanced when a gun is stolen from a car, as well as for providing a handgun to a juvenile and unlawful possession of a handgun by a felon.

Businesses and private property owners can still ban the carrying of guns as long as signs are posted, according to the proposal.

USA TODAY-Tennessee reporter Joel Ebert contributed to this report.