Williamson County Commission Bans Guns in Parks

Published July 16, 2009

For the 2009-2010 school year, Williamson County Schools will not be affected by a new state law which allows gun owners with permits to carry them into public parks. On July 13, the Williamson County Commission voted unanimously to opt out of the law and prohibit handguns in county parks.

One of the reasons behind the decision was an existing law which makes it a felony to carry a firearm on property owned or used by schools. More than half of the district's 16 middle and high schools use city or county parks for athletic events, and many of the district's elementary schools use public parks for field trips and other activities.

"I advised the Board of Education that the schools cannot use a county or city park that allows handguns until our local governments or the Tennessee legislature can develop a resolution to this conflict," said Williamson County Schools' staff attorney Jason Golden.

The Williamson County Commission passed the measure with a sunset clause built in which would allow the opt out to expire May 31, 2010. In the meantime, the county will seek clarification from the state and school board of possible conflicts.

Williamson County is not the only local government to pass such a law. The Brentwood City Council also voted to opt out, and the City of Franklin will vote on the matter in a few weeks. The state law goes into effect September 1, which is also the deadline for local governments to opt out.