Tuesday one of the bills I have been keeping tabs on came before the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB1736 sponsored by Senator Gresham as introduced, establishes that if a person or entity posts to prohibit the possession of firearms on the property, the posting entity, for purposes of liability, assumes custodial responsibility for the safety and defense of any handgun carry permit holder harmed while on the posted property. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

Dr Lott spoke regarding the bill and a multitude of good information came forth. Dr Lott made the point abundantly clear that statistics show gun free zones not only encourage mass shooters but these locations are picked because they are easy targets while larger and closer locations that allow guns were avoided. These mass shooters pick locations where people are defenseless so they can kill larger numbers of victims. Some killers have left evidence behind including graphs showing the more victims, the more media coverage. It was clear the killers can spend years planning these attacks and that maximum media coverage is the motivation behind the killings.

Continuing to use statistical facts Dr Lott advocated Handgun Permit holders are responsible law abiding citizens with less conviction rates for firearm violations than police officers. Dr Lott pointed out there is little reason to oppose permit and concealed carry. He continues painting a picture using 50 years of statistical data showing how mass shootings have been stopped by permit holders. It was also noted Europe has the same issues with mass shootings and that all mass shootings in Europe since President Obama took office have happened in gun free zones.

After a very convincing testimony from Dr Lott, Senator Lee Harris a Democrat from Memphis had a different opinion. Senator Harris says “That is inconsistent with my intuition” He continues to explain if he was a mass shooter “It would seem to me that if I thought that others had weapons I would bring a bigger weapon right. Because I'm a criminal and I'm demented so I would bring a bigger weapon.”

Of course Dr Lott reminded Senator Harris of the statistics showing a 60% reduction in mass shootings in states where permit and concealed carry was allowed and noted to the extent where mass shootings still occurred they took place where permit and concealed carry was disallowed. And that since 1950 all but 2 mass shootings in the United States have happened in gun free zones. Dr Lott was not debating his opinion but simply stating the facts! Facts that prove gun free zones are dangerous and by eliminating them we are safer.

Senator Harris has sponsored a firearm bill of his own this year which tries to undermine the right of permit holders to carry firearms in parks. Based on Senator Harris' voting record and his campaign promises he has demonstrated his desire to restrict handgun permit holders and their second amendment rights to defend their self.

The bill I've been keeping tabs on SB1736 was rolled two weeks and comes back up February 23. You can watch Dr Lott's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee at http://tnga.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=278&clip_id=11593&meta… . I ask that you make those in your circle aware of this bill and ask for their support by contacting the senate Judiciary Committee Members in support of SB1736. Committee Members information can be found at http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/committees/judiciary.html

I like the thought Dr Lott left for the opposition to consider. “If you were threatened, if somebody was stalking you. Would you put a sign in front of your home that said this home is a gun free zone?” I would think not.

Thank you for your support and beware of gun free zones!