WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 607

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, deletes the offense of unlawful carrying of a firearm or club with the intent to go armed; lowers the age requirement to obtain an enhanced or concealed handgun carry permit from 21 to 18 years of age. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17.

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

Tennessee bill would have lowered concealed handgun permit age from 21 to 18 and eliminated unlawful armed carrying charges; bill withdrawn.

Withdrawn.
#firearmsandammunition
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 607

Legislative bill overview

SB 607 would have eliminated Tennessee's unlawful armed carrying offense and lowered the minimum age for obtaining enhanced or concealed handgun carry permits from 21 to 18 years old. The bill was withdrawn on February 4, 2025, shortly after its January 31 introduction, so it is no longer under active consideration.

Why this is important

Lowering permit ages would expand firearm access to young adults and remove a criminal statute currently used to prosecute individuals carrying weapons with intent to harm. These changes would significantly affect public safety policies, law enforcement practices, and age-based eligibility requirements across the state's gun regulations.

Potential points of contention

  • Age eligibility and developmental maturity: Questions about whether 18-year-olds have sufficient judgment for concealed carry, particularly regarding brain development and impulse control
  • Public safety implications: Concern that removing the unlawful armed carrying offense eliminates a tool for prosecuting individuals planning violent acts before they occur
  • Consistency with federal law: Federal law generally prohibits licensed handgun dealers from selling to those under 21; state-level permit reductions create potential conflicts
  • Law enforcement perspective: Police organizations may oppose losing the armed carrying statute as a preventive enforcement mechanism

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

Sign in to ask a question.