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Current Issues
Hand Gun Legislation:
State Parks' rules and regulations prohibit
firearm possession and use, but Public Chapter 428 of 2009
created an exception in state firearms law that allows
individuals with a valid "carry permit" under TCA §
39-17-1351 to carry a handgun within the boundaries of all
state parks. While this new law makes an exception for
possession, it does not make exception to the use of a
firearm. Discharging a weapon in non-designated areas of our
parks is still an offense. If a permit holder fires a weapon
in self-defense, the holder bears the burden of proof to
avoid potential charges under "prohibited firearm use."
Firearms are allowed at authorized firing ranges and at
parks with authorized hunts. Firearms in transit must be
unloaded and cased.
If you have questions about Tennessee Hand
Gun laws please visit
Handgun Carry Permits for further information. If you
DON'T understand a rule or law, please call and ask park
staff before you bring your handgun.
Golf Carts in State Parks:
SB 2588 / HB 2508 Golf Cart Bill. The
Tennessee Park Rangers Association is in opposition to this
bill as it is written for the following reasons:
1.Public Safety – the public roadways with
in the park are open for all legal vehicles of the state to
travel on, golf carts to not meet the regulatory
requirements for vehicles to travel upon the roads of the
State. Brake lights, turn signals, safety belts, or other
safety features that are found on legal motor vehicles.
Park roads as defined in TCA: 55-1-116. “Highway” or
“street” defined; would be subject to laws governing the use
of such roads. TCA: 55-4-101 (a) (1) states “the operation
of any motor vehicle upon the streets or highways of this
state, such vehicle shall be registered”. Section; (d) (1)
states upon registering the vehicle shall issue a license
plate to the owner. The point being that golf carts should
not be allowed to operate on highways or streets of the
state, unless they meet all the requirements of the
Department of Safety to be registered and licensed to
operate on such roadways.
2.Operation of a golf cart on State Park
roadways would impede the normal and reasonable flow of
traffic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration “The industry’s standard Z130.1, which
applies to all golf carts, contains a specification for the
“Maximum vehicle speed” (paragraph 9.6.1) under which” the
average speed [of runs in opposite directions] shall not
exceed 15 mi/h (24 km/h)” (paragraph 9.6.1.3).” This would
impede the normal flow of traffic within our parks that have
an average speed limit of 25 mph, and can go up to 40 mph.
3.Potential for misuse: Pulling people on
bikes, skateboards, etc. Operation of a golf cart on park
hiking trails, and green space, off-road, etc.
If you want to see the proposed bills,
please click the links below:
SB2588
HB2508
Fitness Initiative:
The Fitness Initiative program was developed
to promote good physical fitness. This is an important
factor in the many aspects of a Ranger's job. From search
and rescue, to leading nature hikes, good physical fitness
is needed. The fitness initiative was first developed as a
voluntary program. The first time that the program was to be
put into action was during Ranger In-service 2007.
Participation numbers in the 2007 program were very high.
Everyone who participated had a good time. The program will
be held at future in-services to evaluate the success of the
program.
Click the link below to see the guidelines:
FITNESS PROGRAM
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