David B. Hawk (born June 21, 1968) is an American politician. He was elected to the 103rd through the 113th General Assembly as the member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing the 5th district, composed of Unicoi County and parts of Greene County. He is a member of the Commerce Committee, the Conservation and Environment Committee, the Parks and Tourism Subcommittee, and the Small Business Subcommittee.
On May 7, 2009, Hawk voted to pass HB962, which would allow licensed gun owners to bring concealed weapons into bars, night clubs, and other establishments which serve alcohol.[2] Hawk voted to allow the 222,000 permit holders [3] to bring firearms into bars, nightclubs, etc. provided that they don't drink.
Supporters of the bill cite the Second Amendment, and those who oppose it share a variety of concerns, ranging from public safety to increased operating costs. Walt Baker, the CEO of the Tennessee Hospitality Association, which oversees hotels, motels, and restaurants, states that this bill transfers the responsibility from the customer with the firearm to the owner of the establishment. He is also anticipating a hike in insurance costs and lawsuits.[4]
Gov. Phil Bredesen vetoed the bill, stating that, although he supports the right to bear arms, he believes carrying "a concealed weapon into a crowded bar at midnight on a Saturday night defies common sense".[5] Rep. Curry Todd, R-Collierville responded "I won't tell you what the governor can do with that piece of paper he just sent".[6]
2023 expulsion votes
In 2023, the Tennessee House voted on motions to expel three Democratic representatives for violating decorum rules for using bull horns inside the chamber to advocate gun control laws.[7] Hawk voted in favor of all three resolutions: HR63, to remove Justin J. Pearson;[8] HR64, to remove Gloria Johnson;[9] and HR65, to remove Justin Jones.[10] Pearson and Jones, who are black, were expelled, while Johnson, who is white, was not.[11] Two days later, all three were reinstated.
Wrongdoings
Domestic violence charges
Hawk was accused in December 2012 of domestic violence related to an incident in which he allegedly hit his ex-wife. He spent the night in jail, was convicted of reckless endangerment, and sentenced to 150 hours of community service, and anger management classes. He also paid $1,500 in restitution.[12][13][14][15]
Hit and run
On Saturday May 11, 2024 a hit and run accident in the General Morgan Inn hotel parking lot was reported to the Greeneville Police Department and security camera footage revealed the suspect to be Hawk. He was cited $150.00 for leaving the scene an accident. In a statement to the media, he claimed he thought he had run over something as opposed to hitting another vehicle and sought to make things right with the victim.[16][17]
