Assuming Governor Haslam signs the “Guns in Cars” Bill passed by the Tennessee General Assembly (which is a virtual certainty) the Bill will become law on July 1, 2013. What does this mean for employers?
The bill makes it legal for handgun carry permit holders to store firearms and ammunition in their vehicle while it is in a parking lot if the weapon is (1) kept out of sight and (2) locked in the car while the permit holder is not in the vehicle. The bill makes it clear that it will be legal for handgun carry permit holders to have properly secured firearms in their cars at work.
So if the employee has a valid Tennessee handgun carry permit and keeps the weapon and ammo out of sight in a locked car the employee would be in compliance with the law. Glove box, trunk and under the seat are clearly out of sight. Covered up by a blanket or other cover on a seat may be.
Employers should review their weapons at work policies in light of this anticipated new law to make sure they will be in compliance on July 1.
Tennessee Employment Law 