NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – A measure that would exempt handgun permit holders from criminal background checks to buy weapons is one of two gun bills advancing in the state Senate.

The proposal sponsored by Republican Sen. Steve Southerland of Morristown was moved to the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday after passing the Senate Judiciary Committee 8-1. The companion bill is awaiting a vote in the same committee in the House.

The other proposal sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville states that it’s not an occupational hazard for employers to allow workers with handgun permits to carry their weapons at work. The measure is headed for a full Senate vote after also passing the Senate Judiciary Committee 8-1.

Another measure that would allow anyone who owns land in Tennessee to apply for a handgun permit was withdrawn from consideration.

• Read SB0306, SB0519, SB0053 at: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)