TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Mar 18, 2021

Legislation that would allow for permitless handgun carry for most adults 21 and older in the state has advanced through the Tennessee Senate, the Associated Press reports. Senators approved the HB18/SB318 on a 23-9 vote and it must now pass the state House. Gov. Bill Lee has backed the bill, which applies to concealed or open carry, and is expected to sign it into law. Republican senators tweaked the original bill to ban those who had been convicted of stalking or driving under the influence from being able to carry a firearm. Those who had been hospitalized or judicially committed in a mental institution would also be banned. The bill carries an estimated $17.7 million price tag because it increases penalties on gun-related crimes and anticipates more incarcerations as a result.