Legislation that would strip local governments of the power to ban guns in public parks is advancing in the Legislature despite concerns from the governor. In 2009 the Murfreesboro City Council banned the right for you to go armed on the local Greenway or in city operated parks like Barfield and Old Fort Park. However, the idea of letting up on that ban to allow permit holders to go armed on the Greenway trails was unsuccessfully reconsidered in 2014...

City Councilwoman Madelyn Scales-Harris commented (2014 discussion):

Former Councilman Toby Gilley stated (2014 discussion):

Murfreesboro Police Chief Chrisman responds (2014 discussion):

Ultimately, the measure was voted down and handguns are currently not allowed on the Greenway in Murfreesboro, but that could change if the proposed legislation were to pass at the state level.

The latest measure at the state level sponsored by Republican Rep. Mike Harrison of Rogersville was approved 15-5 last week (week of March 23, 2015) in the House Finance Committee and is now being scheduled for a vote on the House floor. The companion bill is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.

Currently, community parks, playgrounds and sports fields are among the few areas in Tennessee where local governments can ban people with handgun carry permits from being armed. Harrison's proposal would change that.