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The search for a violent sex offender with an outstanding warrant for his arrest is over.More >> The search for a violent sex offender with an outstanding warrant for his arrest is over.More >> Sevierville Police are partnering with retailers to crack down on shoplifters. In January, the Sevierville Police Department formed something called ALERT.More >> Sevierville Police are partnering with retailers to crack down on shoplifters. In January, the Sevierville Police Department formed something called ALERT.More >> Two people were killed and another two hospitalized after a shooter opened fire in a Grainger County business.More >> Two people were killed and another two hospitalized after a shooter opened fire in a Grainger County business.More >> A University of Tennessee administrator told her boss she was experiencing a hostile work environment in the days before she was fired.More >> A University of Tennessee administrator told her boss she was experiencing a hostile work environment in the days before she was fired.More >> Knoxville residents might have to change the dial if they want to hear their favorite stations.More >> Knoxville residents might have to change the dial if they want to hear their favorite stations.More >> The University of Tennessee was granted the right to purchase three homes in Fort Sanders to build a new academic building, but the move has preservationists concerned.More >> The University of Tennessee was granted the right to purchase three homes in Fort Sanders to build a new academic building, but the move has preservationists concerned.More >> An old pulp and paper mill site has been added to the EPA's National Priorities List.More >> An old pulp and paper mill site has been added to the EPA's National Priorities List.More >> Five area restaurants scored poor health inspections reports this week.More >> Five area restaurants scored poor health inspections reports this week.More >> Memorial Day weekends kicks off boating season here in East Tennessee. It is important to remember some safety tips before taking your boat out on the water.More >> Memorial Day weekends kicks off boating season here in East Tennessee. It is important to remember some safety tips before taking your boat out on the water.More >> Work is beginning to preserve Oak Ridge's historic Alexander Inn with renovations to convert it into an assisted living facility.More >> Work is beginning to preserve Oak Ridge's historic Alexander Inn with renovations to convert it into an assisted living facility.More >>
NASHVILLE (AP) - A bill seeking to make it a crime to enforce federal firearms laws in Tennessee has failed in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet received a 4-4 vote on the panel Wednesday. Bills must earn a majority to advance.
An attorney general's opinion released this week deemed the bill unconstitutional, and a lobbyist for Gov. Bill Haslam said it was unlikely the governor would sign the measure into law because of cost concerns over enforcing a bill of dubious constitutionality.
All four votes against the measure were cast by attorneys, led by Sen. Brian Kelsey. The Germantown Republican was appointed by Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey to take over the chairmanship of the committee from Beavers this year.
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