The proposal would allow those who are currently able to lawfully own a handgun to carry such in an open or concealed manner without any training, fee or criminal background checks.
Under Tennessee’s current CCW law, in order to receive a permit which allows both open and concealed carry (an “Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit”), one must undergo eight hours of State-developed training, including a shooting skills test, a criminal background check and payment of a permit application fee. To receive a concealed carry permit in which no open carry is allowed, one can rely on more general forms of firearms training, including electronic or online video training, with no shooting skills requirement. One must still undergo a criminal background check and pay a reduced fee.
The Constitutional Carry proposal would not allow individuals with felony convictions, orders of protection or domestic violence convictions to qualify for permitless carry — though, as noted above, no prior background check is required to determine such. The proposal would allow those who are currently able to lawfully own a handgun to carry such in an open or concealed manner without any training, fee or criminal background checks. Also, unlike the right to carry in certain outdoor public places such as parks, greenways and campgrounds — which is allowed under Enhanced and Concealed Handgun Carry Permits — carrying in these areas would be prohibited under permitless carry. And as is the case with existing permits, handgun carry would be prohibited in public or private buildings/businesses posted to exclude firearms.
Finally, in conjunction with permitless carry, the permitting provisions for Enhanced and Concealed Handgun Carry Permits would continue to exist, allowing for greater carry opportunities. These permits also provide an expanded ability to legally carry in additional states depending upon applicable reciprocity arrangements.
GetYourCarryPermit.com believes in exposure to basic handgun carry information — including the fundamental elements of self-defense — before carrying a concealed weapon in public. Knowing when you can use deadly force is vitally important to protect yourself from criminal and civil liability. Also, knowing the basics of safe handgun operation, maintenance, transportation and storage are essential to keep you and your loved ones safe. In our view, the State of Tennessee already provides an inexpensive and efficient means for allowing its citizens to safely carry handguns in public with carry permits suitable to their needs. Obtaining basic levels of education and training for such permits should not be considered a restriction of handgun carry rights. Rather, we believe that training and education are powerful tools that empower citizens to safely and responsibly exercise those rights.