NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Governor Bill Lee, joined by several key members of the Tennessee legislature, announced today a new bill that will allow a constitutional carry law in Tennessee.
The bill will be introduced as an administration bill, however the Governor acknowledged many in the state legislature have advocated for this change as well.
Currently Tennesseans are required to purchase and possess a handgun carry permit, or conceal carry permit, to be able to carry a firearm in Tennessee.
Now, Tennessee will join 16 other states in the nation by introducing a constitutional carry law in the state.
“This law would extend the constitutional right to carry a handgun to all law abiding citizens, with or without a permit, who are 21 and older except in restricted areas,” said Governor Lee during a press conference.
The Governor stated there has been an 85% increase in guns stolen from cars and trucks over the two year period in 2016 and 2017.
“We need to be increasingly vigilant in also enacting laws that strengthen our ability to protect our citizens,” said Gov Lee.
The bill would not only allow Tennessee residents the right to carry without a permit, but would also introduce stricter penalties to those who commit a crime involving a firearm. Increased penalties would be introduced for those who steal a firearm, including a mandatory minimum sentence for those who steal a firearm.
Convicted felons in possession of a firearm will face even steeper penalties with this bill. When asked about the effect this bill would have on criminal justice reform the Governor said, “”Criminal justice reform is about being tough on crime and smart on crime,” said Lee.
During the press conference, leadership insisted this bill would help law enforcement in their ongoing effort to combat gun violence in Tennessee communities.
“This is a way to provide rights for law abiding citizens, and to provide penalties for criminals,” said Lee. “That’s what this bill is intended to do and what it will do.”