Governor signs bill to allow guns in all Tennessee parks

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Local governments in Tennessee can no longer bar people with handgun carry permits from bringing firearms to parks, playgrounds and sports fields under legislation signed by Republican Gov. Bill Haslam.

The contentious measure was introduced as a welcome gift from gun-friendly Tennessee lawmakers to the more than 70,000 people who attended the National Rifle Association's annual convention in Nashville earlier this month.

The bill got tied up amid bickering between Republicans who control both the state House and Senate, and only passed once lawmakers agreed to remove the Capitol complex from the areas where permit holders could be armed.

Opponents say the final version is still confusing due to a provision banning guns "within the immediate vicinity" of school activities, but not defining a specific distance.