Tennessee eyes 18+ gun-carry age with court or Capitol deal

In Tennessee, a potential compromise between gun rights advocates and those seeking tighter firearm regulations is being considered, which would raise the minimum age for carrying a handgun to 18.

The agreement, which is being discussed in both the court and the Capitol, could represent a significant shift in the state’s gun regulation landscape. Currently, state law allows those who are at least 21 to carry weapons, regardless of whether they are licensed or not.

The proposed compromise is being pushed by a coalition of gun control supporters, including Everytown for Gun Safety, the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and the Tennessee chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. These organizations have argued that raising the minimum age for handgun-carrying would help to reduce the number of shootings involving young people.

At the same time, the proposal has encountered opposition from gun rights advocates, who argue that it would unfairly deny firearms to young people who are already legally allowed to own them. Additionally, opponents of the measure have argued that it could create a slippery slope, leading to further restrictions on the right to bear arms.

The debate over the proposal is still ongoing, and it is unclear whether it will ultimately be adopted. Nevertheless, the very fact that the issue is under consideration is a sign of progress that could potentially lead to a new wave of gun control legislation in Tennessee.

It remains to be seen whether the agreement will be reached in the court or the Capitol, but either way, it has the potential to make a major impact on the state’s gun laws.