The Senate Judiciary Committee had 28 bills pertaining to firearms up for discussion this week. One bill receiving a lot of attention, SB356 / HB455, would allow an off-duty law enforcement officer to carry a firearm to events such as a Mocs game at Finley Stadium or a Carrie Underwood concert at Bridgestone Arena. The bill states that a law enforcement officer cannot be denied entry to or be removed from an event when the officer holds a valid ticket or has paid a required admission fee to attend the event if the denial or removal is based on the officer’s possession of a firearm. The bill would impact sporting venues such as Nissan Stadium, Bridgestone Arena, Neyland Stadium, Finley Stadium, and other sports and entertainment venues that currently prohibit weapons. The legislation does clarify that the owner or operator of an event venue may require a law enforcement officer to inform venue officials that the officer will be present at the event and in possession of a firearm. Word to the wise: make friends with your neighbors (in every setting).