NASHVILLE — Lawmakers in Tennessee have proposed two controversial bills that would essentially allow some gun owners to act as law enforcement.

HB 254 and SB2523 designate "a person who has been issued an enhanced handgun carry permit" as a member of law enforcement, under certain circumstances.

The bills allow permit holders to carry a gun where police can carry one.

State senator Joey Hensley, who introduced SB 2523, told ABC News the legislation does not make gun holders police officers.

Currently in Tennessee, any adult can apply for an enhanced gun permit, which allows open and concealed carry.

The applicant must pay a $100 fee and go through an eight-hour handgun safety course.

However, several groups can get exemption from the training, including registered armed guard, military members and veterans.

The Tennessee State Lodge for the Fraternal Order of Police has told it is opposed to this bill, essentially saying that civilians are not versed in “criminal law, defense tactics” the way police officers are.

A hearing has not yet been set for the bills.

SHARONVILLE, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers took a step toward changing gun laws in the state this week.

Thursday, the House Government Oversight Committee passed House Bill 227. It would remove the concealed carry license requirements.

A gun is considered concealed in Ohio if it is not visible on a person’s body or is in a vehicle.

Currently, you need two hours of range time and six hours of classes at $99 before you can apply for your permit. Then, your county sheriff’s office must approve your application after background checks. That can cost at least $67.

“That can be a real burden,” said Executive Director of Buckeye Firearms Dean Rieck. “The moment you have licensing, the moment you have fees, fewer people are able to exercise their rights.”

Concealed carry holders were divided Friday.

David Lanner told WCPO 9News, “No. That’s the cost of doing it.”

Republican Tom Brinkman, Jr. from Mt. Lookout in Cincinnati sponsored the bill. More than 100 people testified on it in front of the committee this year. Fewer than 10 of them supported it.

Moms Demand Action was among the opponents' speakers. Michele Mueller is a Cincinnati member.

“We deserve lawmakers who will prioritize common sense safety gun laws that will again protect us from gun violence,” said Mueller.

“We don’t think it will have any effect on that. This is about people’s rights, and this is about removing burdens that people have right now for getting a license,” said Rieck.

According to a 2020 Ohio Attorney General’s Office report, 1,777 people wanted concealed carry permits, but their sheriff’s office denied their applications.

Across the country, 21 states allow concealed carry without a permit. Kentucky is one of them. Indiana still requires a license, like Ohio.

“It can be very costly, and for some people,” said Rieck, “they might even have to take off work.”

Permit holders on the range in Sharonville pushed the safety card hard.

“The concealed carry permit is so good just from an educational standpoint. I believe that’s a good vehicle to get that education, but there are plenty of other ways. I was in an NRA .22 long rifle club when I was in high school through the Boy Scouts,” said Lanner.