04-02-2025
Proposed law would lower handgun carry age to 18 in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A bill filed in the Tennessee General Assembly would lower the age to carry a handgun in the state to 18, down from 21.
Current state law prohibits people under the age of 21 from carrying a handgun unless they meet certain exemption criteria. That criteria includes being an active duty servicemember at least 18 years old, an honorably discharged veteran at least 18 years old, or have completed certain military basic training programs.
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The proposed law, filed by State Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) would still prohibit juveniles from carrying handguns 'with the intent to go armed.'
That would be a Class A misdemeanor under the proposed law, and the firearm would be required to be confiscated and disposed of properly, according to the bill.
There are also exceptions built into the proposed bill, including juveniles who are at a hunter safety course or firearm safety course; at a target shooting range; at a shooting competition that uses firearms as part of the performance; hunting or trapping with a valid license; protecting livestock form predatory animals; accompanied by their parent or guardian and being instructed by that parent or guardian; or using 'justified' physical or deadly force at their own residence, among others.
Accordingly, the bill would allow for those at least 18 years old to apply for an enhanced or a concealed handgun carry permit, rather than having to wait until they are 21 years old.
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