NASHVILLE (AP) – Republican Sen. Mike Bell says he's optimistic about the passage of a proposal that would provide liability protection for employers who choose to allow guns to be carried in their work place.

The Senate passed the proposal 30-1 on Monday and the companion bill is scheduled before the House Consumer and Employee Affairs Committee on Tuesday.

Bell, of Riceville, says he believes he has the votes in the Republican-controlled House.

The proposal states that an employer allowing a person with a handgun permit to carry a weapon on the employer's property "does not constitute an occupational safety and health hazard to the employees."

Bell says he simply wants to protect employers from complaints that may arise from employees.

Read SB0519/HB0283 at: www.legislature.state.tn.us

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