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SB 1227

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, renames enhanced and concealed handgun carry permits as enhanced and concealed firearm carry permits and authorizes a permit holder to carry any firearms, rather than handguns, that the permit holder legally owns or possesses. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Lowe

Tennessee bill expands firearm carry permits to allow all legal firearms instead of only handguns; failed Senate Judiciary Committee April 2025.

Failed in Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1227

Legislative bill overview

SB 1227 would expand Tennessee's firearm carry permit system by renaming "handgun carry permits" to "firearm carry permits" and allowing permit holders to carry any legally owned firearms rather than just handguns. The bill requires amendments across 13 Tennessee legal codes to implement this broader permitting framework.

Why is this important

This represents a significant expansion of what firearms can be carried under existing permits. It would allow permit holders to carry rifles, shotguns, and other long guns in addition to handguns, substantially changing the scope of Tennessee's carry laws and potentially affecting where and how Tennesseans can carry various weapon types.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Critics may argue that expanding permit scope to include rifles and shotguns increases risk in public spaces and conflicts with existing federal and state regulations governing where certain weapons can be carried (schools, government buildings, etc.)
  • Implementation complexity: Amending 13 different Tennessee legal codes requires careful coordination; unintended legal conflicts or loopholes could arise from incomplete harmonization across statutes
  • Federal firearms law conflicts: Some expanded carry rights may conflict with federal restrictions on carrying certain firearms in specific locations (e.g., federal buildings, transportation hubs), creating enforcement and legal uncertainty

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

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