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New Tennessee Laws Start Friday: Wine, Guns, Texting

Wasin Pummarin
/
123rf Stock Photo

New Tennessee laws go into effect Friday. Consumers will be able to purchase wine in supermarkets. Public college and university professors and staff can arm themselves on campus. And drivers will be subject to strict penalties for texting on the road. 

Many of the bills passed by state lawmakers took effect upon being signed into law by Governor Bill Haslam, but others were linked to the start of the budget year, July 1.

The campus carry bill was the result of heavy negations between gun-rights advocates and higher education officials who opposed allowing more weapons on campus.

The law keeps gun bans in place for stadiums or gymnasiums while school-sponsored events are in progress; meetings where disciplinary issues are being discussed; and day care centers on campus.

Matt Markgraf joined the WKMS team as a student in January 2007. He's served in a variety of roles over the years: as News Director March 2016-September 2019 and previously as the New Media & Promotions Coordinator beginning in 2011. Prior to that, he was a graduate and undergraduate assistant. He is currently the host of the international music show Imported on Sunday nights at 10 p.m.
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