NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper has issued a legal opinion that says people who have received pardons for their felony drug convictions can own any type of firearm except handguns.

Cooper writes in the opinion released Wednesday that Tennessee's firearms ban for felons has exceptions for those who have been pardoned, had their convictions expunged or have had their civil rights restored.

But Cooper says the law doesn't provide those exceptions for handgun ownership by people convicted of certain violent crimes and drug felonies.

The opinion was requested by House Republican Caucus Chairman Glen Casada of Franklin. Legal opinions issued by the attorney general indicate his office's interpretation of the law, but unlike court opinions, they aren't binding.

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