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SB 2469

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, authorizes certain sitting or retired judges to carry weapons in any location that a law enforcement officer is authorized to carry a weapon if the judge could otherwise qualify for an enhanced handgun carry permit. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Bailey

Allows sitting or retired certain judges with enhanced handgun training to carry a firearm anywhere officers may, inside or outside proceedings.

Enrolled and ready for signatures
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Bill Summary · SB 2469

Summary of Bill: SB 2469 (Session 114) – Tennessee

Title

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, authorizes certain sitting or retired judges to carry weapons in any location that a law enforcement officer is authorized to carry a weapon if the judge could otherwise qualify for an enhanced handgun carry permit. Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

Purpose and Intent

  • Expand the carrying authority for certain judges beyond the current procedural restrictions.
  • Allow sitting or retired chancery, circuit, or appellate judges (and governor-appointed judges) who have completed or can qualify for enhanced handgun carry privileges to carry weapons in any location and manner that a law enforcement officer is permitted to carry.
  • Specifically, it narrows or clarifies the scope of when judges may carry, both during proceedings and outside proceedings, subject to enhanced handgun qualification.

Key Provisions and Changes

  1. Section 1 (Amendment to 39-17-1306(c)(3))

    • Replaces existing language to apply to:
      • Chancery, circuit, or appellate judges, or governor-appointed judges.
      • Judges who are authorized to carry a handgun under § 39-17-1351 and who are vested with judicial powers under § 16-1-101.
    • This ensures these judges can carry under the specified statutory trigger.

  2. New Section (Addition to 39-17-1306 et seq.)

    • Establishes that a sitting or retired chancery, circuit, or appellate judge, or governor-appointed judge, may carry a weapon (including a firearm) in any location and manner where a law enforcement officer is authorized to carry, provided the judge is authorized to carry a handgun under § 39-17-1351.
    • Importantly, this extension applies even if the judge is not actively discharging duties during judicial proceedings, and it does not require the handgun to be concealed during proceedings.

  3. Effective Date

    • This act takes effect upon becoming law (immediate upon enactment, per "the public welfare requiring it").

Affected Persons and Entities

  • Targeted Individuals:
    • Sitting or retired chancery, circuit, or appellate court judges.
    • Sitting or retired governor-appointed judges.
  • Conditions on those individuals:
    • Must be authorized to carry a handgun under § 39-17-1351 (enhanced handgun qualification).
    • Under the amendment, may carry in any location where LEOs may carry, regardless of whether they are in active judicial proceeding.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill has an explicit advancement path:
    • Passed Senate with amendments (Amendment 1) on 2026-04-13.
    • Senate proceeded to engrossment and transmission to House.
    • House desk status indicates awaiting further action after Senate passage.
  • Fiscal notes indicate "NOT SIGNIFICANT" impact on state or local courts.
    • Amended fiscal note clarifies that judges meeting enhanced handgun training criteria may open carry during judicial proceedings without concealment and may carry outside proceedings in locations where LEOs may carry.
  • No new funding or program creation; impact is interpretive/operational regarding carry rights.

Fiscal Impact

  • Not significant (per Fiscal Review Committee analysis).
  • Assumes enhanced handgun training eligibility is the key trigger for expanded carry rights.
  • Expected minimal administrative or enforcement costs.

Practical Implications

  • Judges meeting the enhanced handgun training criteria could carry firearms in any location where law enforcement officers are permitted to carry, potentially increasing personal security options.
  • The change removes the requirement for concealment during judicial proceedings when carrying under the enhanced training provision.
  • Courts are not expected to experience significant impacts beyond the clarified carry authority for eligible judges.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current law and the proposed changes, or summarize potential policy considerations and questions for oversight.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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