CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – As of January 1, several new laws have gone into effect across Tennessee pertaining to handguns, healthcare, travel and fire safety.

New online course makes concealed carry permit more accessible

As of January 1, Tennessee residents can obtain a ‘concealed only handgun permit’ by taking a 90-minute, online training course. The course can be accessed at carrytn.com.

This new course acts as an alternative to the more traditional 8-hour, in-person class, though only the latter includes a hands on component in the form of range training. The new course is also $35 cheaper than the in-person course option, only costing $65.

There are some differences between what the two classes allow one to do. The traditional 8-hour class allows one to concealed carry on higher education campuses, whereas the online alternative does not. Also, those seeking to open carry must still take the in-person class.

The “Right to Shop Act”

The new “Right to Shop Act’ places transparency requirements on health insurance providers regarding the cost of non-emergency outpatient services.

According to the bill, a healthcare provider within the patient’s insurer network must disclose the allowed amount of the non-emergency services, including the amount of any required facility fees, within two days.

The bill entitles patients to a cost estimate from their insurance provider, revealing any out of pocket expenses related to the admission, service, or procedure.

New requirement protects travelers using an agency

A new law will require travel agencies to retain customer deposits in a designated bank account.

New laws protects elders from abuse

The existing Elderly and Vulnerable Protection Act has been revised to add new emphasis on crimes involving sexual exploitation of elderly or vulnerable adults.

The revision expands the legal definition of ‘neglect,’ to include a caregiver’s failure to protect an elderly or vulnerable adult from such types of abuse. The new law also requires those convicted of such abuse to be registered with the Tennessee Department of Health

New grant supports volunteer fire departments

A new state grant will assist volunteer fire departments across Tennessee to purchase up-to-date equipment and to meet the matching requirements of other federal grants which assist in the purchasing of equipment and training.

For more information on laws that went into effect this year, click here.