TENNESSEE PERMITLESS GUN BILL ADVANCES
A bill to allow Tennesseans to carry a gun without a permit is advancing in the General Assembly. Some law enforcement organizations, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association, are opposing it. Currently, state law requires a class to be taken in order to receive a handgun carry permit. Legislation supported by Governor Bill Lee under the ‘Constitutional Carry’ title if passed will let citizens in the state ages 21 and older to open and conceal carry a gun without a permit. The proposed bill would also add and increase penalties for anyone that steals a gun, using a firearm improperly, or felons in possession of a firearm. With the Republican majority, officials say the bill is likely to become law soon.