“Tennessee has eight bordering states, I think seven of them allow what’s called open carry,” said State Senator Jon Lundberg, for Tennessee’s 1st District. “Has it changed the dynamics in Virginia and North Carolina, not really.”

Via WCYB:

A local lawmaker is hoping to loosen Tennessee’s gun carry laws, State Representative Micah Van Huss just introduced a bill to eliminate the need for a permit to open carry a handgun.

Gun owner Sam Dennis is working on getting his permit so he can open carry, but he said it’s expensive and it takes time with the required classes.

“To me making me take a class or making me pay or something, that’s kind of in a way taking my rights away if you ask me,” said Dennis.

That’s why State Representative Van Huss has introduced House Bill 40. Right now to open carry a gun in a holster you need a permit, but if Van Huss’ bill is approved you wouldn’t need one.

News Five tried to speak with Van Huss but he did not return our phone calls. His bill amends the states weapon laws for open carry to bring Tennessee in line with most other states and protect a person’s right to bear arms. Fellow lawmakers we spoke with say they support it and are surprised it hasn’t passed yet.

“Tennessee has eight bordering states, I think seven of them allow what’s called open carry,” said State Senator Jon Lundberg, for Tennessee’s 1st District. “Has it changed the dynamics in Virginia and North Carolina, not really.”

The bill has been introduced twice and was rejected both times, if approved Tennessee would join the other 29 states that don’t require these permits.

Read more here.