Jonah Patel
On April 8, 2021, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the constitutional carry bill into law, allowing most adults over the age of 21, as well as military members over the age of 18, to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit. The law, which took effect on July 1, 2021, also increases punishments for certain gun crimes, such as theft of a firearm, which is now considered a felony rather than a misdemeanor. The constitutional carry bill was first introduced in 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic. With this bill, Tennessee joins a group of states that have similar constitutional carry laws in place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the bill | Constitutional carry bill |
| Signed by | Governor Bill Lee |
| State | Tennessee |
| Date signed | April 8, 2021 |
| Effective from | July 1, 2021 |
| Requirements | Individuals must be over 21 years old and meet the requirements to own a gun |
| Other provisions | Members of the military between the ages of 18 and 20 are also allowed to carry a firearm |
| Gun types | The law applies to handguns and not long guns |
| Background checks | The law does not change the background check requirements for purchasing a gun |
| Training | The new law does not enforce hands-on training classes |
| Support | The bill was supported by the National Rifle Association and Republican lawmakers |
| Opposition | The bill was opposed by state law enforcement groups and some gun rights groups |
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What You'll Learn
- The law allows people over 21 and military members over 18 to carry handguns without a permit
- Theft of a firearm is now a felony and mandates six months of jail time
- The bill was supported by the National Rifle Association
- The law does not apply to long guns
- The bill was opposed by law enforcement groups
The law allows people over 21 and military members over 18 to carry handguns without a permit
Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee signed the constitutional carry bill into law on April 8, 2021. The law allows Tennesseans aged 21 and over, as well as military members over the age of 18, to carry handguns openly or concealed without a permit. This makes Tennessee one of 19 states in the US to waive the need for a permit to carry a gun.
The bill was first introduced in 2020 but was delayed due to the pandemic. It was heavily criticized by some gun rights groups for limiting the law to those 21 and older and excluding people with impaired driving and stalking convictions. The National Rifle Association (NRA) supported the measure, and Governor Lee thanked them for their help in passing the bill.
The new law also increases punishments for certain gun crimes. For example, the theft of a firearm is now considered a felony rather than a misdemeanor, and the mandate for jail time for this offense has increased from 30 days to six months. The law also bars felons convicted of possessing a firearm from early release.
In addition to those who are already prohibited from receiving a permit, such as felons and those convicted of domestic violence offenses, the new right to carry without a permit will not extend to individuals with a conviction for stalking, those with a recent DUI conviction, or people who have been committed by the court to a mental institution. It is important to note that the law does not change the requirements for purchasing a gun, which include conducting a background check when buying from a federally licensed firearm dealer.
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Theft of a firearm is now a felony and mandates six months of jail time
On April 8, 2021, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the constitutional carry bill into law, allowing most adults over the age of 21 to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit. The law, which took effect on July 1, 2021, also applies to military members between the ages of 18 and 20.
One notable aspect of the bill is its impact on the theft of firearms. Previously, the theft of a firearm was classified as a misdemeanor, but under the new law, it is now considered a felony. This change in classification comes with a significant increase in the mandated minimum sentence. Prior to the bill, the sentence for theft of a firearm was 30 days in jail. However, the new law mandates a minimum of six months of incarceration for this offense.
The reclassification of firearm theft as a felony is a significant development, sending a strong message about the seriousness of such crimes. This change brings the punishment for firearm theft in line with the severity of the act, recognising the potential danger and impact on public safety. By increasing the penalty, the law aims to act as a stronger deterrent, potentially reducing the incidence of firearm theft and enhancing the protection of firearm owners' rights and safety.
The constitutional carry bill has been a subject of controversy, with some gun rights groups criticising it for not going far enough and others expressing concern that it could lead to an increase in crime and put officers at greater risk. Despite this opposition, the bill was backed by the National Rifle Association and supported by Republican lawmakers, who viewed it as an important protection of Second Amendment rights.
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The bill was supported by the National Rifle Association
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has long been a vocal supporter of constitutional carry laws, which allow qualified individuals to carry handguns in public without a permit. The NRA's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) has actively backed such legislation at both the state and federal level.
In Tennessee, the NRA supported the constitutional carry bill signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on April 8, 2021. The law, effective from July 1, 2021, allows most adults aged 21 and over to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit. It also applies to military personnel aged 18 to 20. In a statement, Governor Lee thanked the NRA for their efforts in helping pass the bill.
The NRA's support for constitutional carry is in line with its interpretation of the Second Amendment, which the organisation believes protects the right to carry or bear arms without restrictions. This stance has been a key part of the NRA's advocacy and has influenced legislation across the United States.
The NRA's backing of constitutional carry is not an isolated case. The organisation has a history of supporting similar legislation in other states. For example, in 2022, the NRA supported House Bill 272 in Alabama, which eliminated the requirement for a permit to carry a concealed pistol within the state. Additionally, the NRA has advocated for federal legislation, such as the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which would guarantee an individual's right to conceal carry while travelling between states.
The NRA's support for these laws underscores its commitment to expanding gun rights and reducing restrictions on carrying firearms. The organisation's influence in this area has been significant, contributing to the passage of constitutional carry laws in multiple states and shaping the legal landscape of gun ownership and possession in the United States.
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The law does not apply to long guns
In April 2021, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a constitutional carry bill into law. The law allows most adults in Tennessee to carry a handgun without a permit. Specifically, it permits people aged 21 and older to carry handguns openly or concealed without a permit, along with members of the military aged 18 to 20. The law does not apply to long guns, and this exclusion has been a point of contention among gun rights activists.
The constitutional carry bill removes Tennessee's misdemeanor offense for carrying a handgun without a permit. It also increases the punishments for certain gun crimes. For instance, the bill boosts the theft of a firearm from a misdemeanor to a felony and mandates a minimum of six months of incarceration for the offense, up from the previous 30-day sentence. The law also bars felons convicted of possessing a firearm from early release.
The new permitless carry right does not extend to certain individuals, including those with convictions for stalking, recent DUI convictions, or those who have been committed by a court to a mental institution. The bill faced criticism from multiple law enforcement agencies, which argued that it would lead to an increase in crime and officer vulnerability. The law was supported by the National Rifle Association but opposed by leading law enforcement groups in the state.
The exclusion of long guns from Tennessee's constitutional carry bill is notable, as it sets a limit on the type of firearms that can be carried without a permit. Long guns, such as rifles or shotguns, are typically distinguished from handguns by their longer barrels and stocks that are designed to be held against the shoulder when firing. While the constitutional carry bill removes the permit requirement for handguns, the same cannot be said for long guns in Tennessee.
The debate around long guns and their inclusion or exclusion from permitless carry laws is complex. In Texas, for example, there is a push for constitutional carry, which would allow law-abiding citizens to carry their firearms without a permit. However, Texas law does not specifically put restrictions on who can carry a long gun. This means that, in Texas, the current understanding is that individuals who are not prohibited from possessing firearms under state and federal law can possess and carry long guns without additional restrictions. The specifics of gun laws vary from state to state, and it is important for individuals to be aware of the specific regulations in their respective states.
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The bill was opposed by law enforcement groups
Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee signed a constitutional carry bill into law on April 8, 2021, allowing most adults in the state to carry a handgun without a permit. The bill was opposed by the state's leading law enforcement groups, which argued that it could lead to an increase in crime and make officers more vulnerable.
The law enforcement groups' opposition to the bill was based on concerns for public safety and the potential impact on crime rates. They argued that removing the permit requirement for handgun carry could make it easier for dangerous individuals to access and carry firearms, leading to an increase in gun-related crimes. This, they believed, would pose a significant risk to both the public and law enforcement officers themselves, who would be more vulnerable to armed criminals.
The constitutional carry bill, also known as the "permitless carry" bill, allows Tennesseans aged 21 and over, as well as military members over the age of 18, to carry handguns openly or concealed without a permit. It also increases punishments for certain gun crimes, such as theft of a firearm, which is now considered a felony rather than a misdemeanour.
While the bill was supported by the National Rifle Association, law enforcement groups expressed serious concerns about the potential consequences. They warned that the removal of permit requirements could make it more difficult to track and regulate firearm ownership, potentially leading to an increase in gun-related crimes and putting officers and the public at greater risk.
The opposition from law enforcement groups highlights the ongoing debate surrounding gun control and public safety in the United States. While supporters of the bill argue that it protects the Second Amendment rights of citizens, law enforcement groups remain concerned about the potential impact on crime rates and the safety of their officers. They believe that the ease of access to firearms without proper regulation could create a more dangerous environment for both the public and those tasked with protecting them.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, on April 8, 2021, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed the constitutional carry bill into law.
The bill allows most adults over the age of 21 to carry a firearm without a permit. It also applies to military members between the ages of 18 and 20.
Individuals must meet the requirements to own a gun and be over the age of 21. The bill does not change the laws around purchasing a gun, which include conducting a background check.
The law went into effect on July 1, 2021.
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