TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Apr 8, 2021

Gov. Bill Lee today signed the permitless carry bill into law, making Tennessee the 19th state to allow adults to carry a handgun without a permit, the Tennessean reports. In a tweet, Lee thanked members of the legislature and the National Rifle Association for their help in passing his top legislative priority of the year. The measure also boosts theft of a firearm from a misdemeanor to a felony and mandates six months of incarceration for the offense, up from the current 30-day sentence. It also bars felons convicted of possessing a firearm from early release. The new permitless carry law does not extend to those with stalking convictions, a recent DUI or individuals who have been committed to a mental institution by the court. Felons and those convicted of domestic violence offenses were already prohibited from receiving a permit. The Lee administration has estimated the legislation will cost the state as much as $20 million annually.