Governor of Tenn. Signs "'Crooks With Guns"' Bill Into Law

Governor Bredesen signed into law SB-1967, the "'Crooks with Guns"' bill, during a bill signing ceremony at the state Capitol. The bill was designed to create two new criminal offenses related to employing a firearm during the commission of a felony and revises certain restrictions on handgun possession. Under this law, these new offenses are punishable by mandatory sentences of 3 to 10 years.

During the ceremony, the governor was surrounded by law enforcement, and other key stakeholders who were instrumental in getting the law passed. The governor thanked those who had been strong advocates for this legislation and praised them for their efforts to protect Tennesseans from violence.