Progress in Georgia and Tennessee

"A bill that would expand the rights of Georgians to carry concealed weapons sailed through the state Senate on Thursday, over the objections of some law enforcement groups.
The bill would allow those with concealed weapons permits to carry their weapon in a state park or historic site. And drivers eligible for a gun permit would be able to carry a loaded firearm anywhere they want in their car, under the legislation. It passed 41 to 15. 'Let us today make a bold statement: we are not afraid to trust our people,' state Sen. Chip Rogers, a Woodstock Republican, said."

"The (Tennessee) state Senate voted 24-6 on Wednesday to authorize Tennesseans with pistol carry permits to take their weapons into establishments that sell alcohol, so long as they don't drink themselves. Backers included Sen. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, who said he has used a gun to defend his property in a moment his life would otherwise have been in danger. The reference was to his use of a pistol to apprehend youths trying to break into a warehouse. 'Criminals are still going to carry guns into bars,' Burchett said. 'Law-abiding citizens are the ones who can't carry them now.'"