Governor Bill Lee proposes legislation allowing citizens to carry firearms without a permit.

Gov. Bill Lee and his Tennessee legislative colleagues joined at the Capitol to announce legislation that could remove handgun carry permits in the state of Tennessee. If passed, the ‘Constitutional Carry Law” would allow “law-abiding” individuals 21 or older to carry a handgun, with or without a permit, whether concealed or in the open.

“I’m proud to be joined by members of the general assembly, who helped to lead the way on this important issue. My offices work closely with Lt. Governor McNally, Speaker Sexton, Leader Johnson, [and] Leader Lamberth.” Lee stated in the announcement that Tennessee will be joining sixteen other states that have similar carry laws.

Currently, and individual in Tennessee is only permitted to carry a concealed weapon after safety training and receiving a state card. This law would remove those requirements, with the exception of carrying in already restricted areas.

Under the proposed law, businesses and private property owners will be able to ban guns, as long as signs are visibly posted. Along with areas that are already restricted, such as schools, courts, and government buildings, outdoor public spaces such as parks, greenways or campgrounds would be among the restricted areas that are the exception to permitless carrying.

The constitutional carry proposal aims to increase penalties for anyone who unlawfully possesses or steals a gun, or individuals who provide a handgun to underage citizens. Under the new carry law, a mandatory minimum sentence of six months, up from the original thirty day sentence, would be issued for anyone who steals a gun. Gun theft is currently a misdemeanor in Tennessee, but this legislation aims to raise theft of a firearm to a felony charge.

“With the freedom and liberties guaranteed to us in the second amendment, also comes a great responsibility to steward them wisely, and protect our citizens. Here in Tennessee, there was an 85 percent increase in guns stolen from cars and trucks over a two-year period in 16 and 17.” Legislation states that sentencing would be enhanced for individuals who steal a firearm from a vehicle.

Although the suggested legislation would raise the carrying age to 21, citizens of Tennessee who wish to own a firearm, would still have to pass a federal background check, unless they purchased the firearm privately, whether online or at a gun show. Felons, individuals with domestic violence convictions, individuals with orders of protection against them will not be permitted to carry under the constitutional carry law.

With the proposed legislation comes a financial cost to the state. Representatives state that cost could “exceed $20 million.”