safety
Smyrna may overturn its ban on firearms in town parks
By Li Cohen at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 13, 2026
· 1 min read
SMYRNA, Tenn. (WSMV) - Smyrna officials may be overturning the town’s outright ban on firearms in parks. Councilmembers are scheduled to host a public hearing tomorrow to update the town code to match Tennessee’s firearm law. Currently, Smyrna bans possession of firearms in the town parks. But in...
Key takeaway But in August, a three-judge panel in Gibson County Chancery Court ruled that such a law is unconstitutional.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Smyrna's potential reversal of its firearms ban in town parks reflects a broader shift in how local governments in Tennessee are navigating state laws on gun ownership. The town's decision to consider updating its code comes after a court ruling deemed similar bans unconstitutional, and as the state continues to preempt local regulations on firearms. As Smyrna councilmembers weigh changes to their rules, they will need to balance the interests of residents who support gun rights with those who prioritize public safety in community spaces. The proposed exemption for lawful hunting within town limits, with restrictions near school property, suggests an effort to find a middle ground. Tomorrow's public hearing will provide a forum for residents to voice their opinions on these changes, which could have implications for how other local governments in the Nashville area approach firearms regulations in their own public spaces.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? SMYRNA, Tenn. (WSMV) - Smyrna officials may be overturning the town’s outright ban on firearms in parks. Councilmembers are scheduled to host a public hearing tomorrow to update the town code to match Tennessee’s firearm law. Currently, Smyrna bans possession of firearms in the town parks. But in...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Li Cohen at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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