Tennessee House Bill HB0814

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Refer: 2/6/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13, relative to the carrying of firearms.

Summary

HB0814 amends Tennessee’s firearms laws to create a general exception to the offense of unlawful carrying of a handgun for adults who are at least 21 years old, or for certain 18- to 20-year-olds who are military veterans, honorably discharged members of specified reserve components, or active-duty/service reserve members who have completed basic training. To qualify, the person must lawfully possess the handgun and be in a place where they are lawfully present. The bill applies whether the handgun is carried openly or concealed. The bill also gives county legislative bodies the ability to opt out of this exception within their county by passing a resolution. If a county does so, it must post notice in conspicuous public locations, although a failure to fully comply with the notice requirement does not invalidate the county’s action. The act would take effect July 1, 2025.

Impact

This bill would amend Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1307 to narrow the scope of the unlawful-carry statute by adding a statewide age- and status-based exception for lawful handgun carry, while also amending § 39-17-1314 to make carrying in violation of a county opt-out resolution a separate offense. In practical terms, it would expand lawful carry rights for many adults and certain younger service-connected individuals, but preserve local control for counties that choose to prohibit the exception within their boundaries.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the materials supplied. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to reflect a pro-carry policy with a compromise mechanism allowing counties to opt out, suggesting an attempt to balance expanded firearm carry rights with local discretion.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the scope of handgun carry rights for 18- to 20-year-olds, especially the inclusion of veterans, National Guard, reserve, and active-duty service members, and whether those individuals should be treated differently from the general public. Another likely issue is the county opt-out provision, which creates local variation in firearm policy and may draw support from counties seeking tighter restrictions and opposition from those favoring uniform statewide carry rules. The bill also raises enforcement and notice questions because county failure to post notice does not affect the exception’s application.