Tennessee bill to lower gun age requirement tabled until 2024

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A proposed Tennessee bill is looking to lower the minimum age requirement to own and carry a handgun.

The bill would lower the age requirement to obtain a handgun carry permit or lawfully carry a handgun in public from 21 to 18. This would allow anyone who is 18 to be in possession of an enhanced, lifetime-enhanced or concealed handgun carry permit.

Certain military service requirements would also be removed as part of the bill. Currently, active military members 18 years or older can own and carry a handgun.

The new bill prohibits anyone under 21 from transporting or storing a firearm or any ammunition in a parking area that is owned, operated, or in use by a school. The Senate version of this proposal, SB 1498, passed on its second consideration on February 6 and is now in the hands of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

HB 1158 was scheduled for consideration before the House Civil Justice Subcommittee on Tuesday, Feb. 14, but that discussion was deferred. The house bill was taken of notice on Feb. 21.

The Senate version of the bill was on the calendar of the Senate Judiciary Committee for March 7. The bill was deferred until Jan. 23, 2024.

For the complete language on the bill, visit Tennessee General Assembly’s website.

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