Tennessee Lawmakers Are Pushing Ahead With Several Bills That Would Expand Places Where Gun Permit Holders Can Carry Their Weapons To Include Schools And State Or Local Government Buildings. East Tennessee State University Public Safety Chief Jack Cotrel Says It Will Make His Job More Difficult. He Says, While Many Gun Owners Believe They Could Defend Themselves Or Others With A Firearm, It’s Just Not That Easy. The State Legislature Passed A Law Last Year That Allows Full-Time Faculty And Staff Of Universities And Colleges To Carry Handguns With Proper Permitting.