A proposal to remove permitting requirements to carry handguns in public has been defeated in the Tennessee House. The measure sponsored by Republican Rep. Micah Van Huss of Jonesborough was defeated on a voice vote in the civil justice subcommittee. The committee action came after Republican Gov. Bill Haslam urged lawmakers not to let the upcoming convention of the National Rifle Association in Nashville influence their consideration of a slew of bills seeking to loosen state gun laws. The governor opposed the open carry bill along with another proposal to prevent local governments from banning guns in parks.