Tennessee is one of a minority of states that do not permit people to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms, either concealed or unconcealed, without a permit. As Gun Owners of America has pointed out, people are safer if they’re able to defend themselves, and these restrictions are preventing law-abiding Tennesseans from being able to do so. The weeks it can take to get the permit and the cost to obtain one can be all that stands between an innocent person and their only means of defense. These barriers only make it harder for the lawful citizen, not the criminal, to carry a firearm. Right now, there are bills under consideration, such as HB 1553 and HB 2027, that would remove these dangerous roadblocks and allow people to exercise their rights and protect themselves as intended. These bills would enact Constitutional Carry and remove the fees for permits respectively, allowing Tennesseans to carry in their home state and those that we have reciprocity with. HB 2102 and SB 2288 would remove the restrictions on students exercising their right to carry on campus as well. Just because you are a student does not mean you must forfeit your ability to defend yourself, and these bills would give that power back to the students. These bills give those in the legislature a chance to do the right thing and uphold their commitment to their fellow Tennesseans. I am urging you to support constitutional carry, the removal of permit fees, and campus carry. Please use this opportunity to stand and show your support for our God-given rights.

Tennessee is one of a minority of states that does not permit people to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms, either concealed or unconcealed, without a permit. As Gun Owners of America has pointed out, people are safer if they’re able to defend themselves, and these restrictions are preventing law abiding Tennesseans from being able to do so. The weeks it can take to get the permit and the cost to obtain one can be all that stands between an innocent person and their only means of defense. These barriers only make it harder for the lawful citizen, not the criminal, to carry a firearm. Right now, there are bills under consideration, such as HB 1553 and HB 2027, that would remove these dangerous roadblocks and allow people to exercise their rights and protect themselves as intended. These bills would enact Constitutional Carry and remove the fees for permits respectively, allowing Tennesseans to carry in their home state and those that we have reciprocity with. HB 2102 and SB 2288 would remove the restrictions on students exercising their right to carry on campus as well. Just because you are a student does not mean you must forfeit your ability to defend yourself, and these bills would give that power back to the students. These bills give those in the legislature a chance to do the right thing and uphold their commitment to their fellow Tennesseans. I am urging you to support constitutional carry, the removal of permit fees, and campus carry. Please use this opportunity to stand and show your support for our God-given rights.

Tennessee is one of a minority of states that does not permit people to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms, either concealed or unconcealed, without a permit. As Gun Owners of America has pointed out, people are safer if they’re able to defend themselves, and these restrictions are preventing law abiding Tennesseans from being able to do so. The weeks it can take to get the permit and the cost to obtain one can be all that stands between an innocent person and their only means of defense. These barriers only make it harder for the lawful citizen, not the criminal, to carry a firearm. Right now, there are bills under consideration, such as HB 1553 and HB 2027, that would remove these dangerous roadblocks and allow people to exercise their rights and protect themselves as intended. These bills would enact Constitutional Carry and remove the fees for permits respectively, allowing Tennesseans to carry in their home state and those that we have reciprocity with. HB 2102 and SB 2288 would remove the restrictions on students exercising their right to carry on campus as well. Just because you are a student does not mean you must forfeit your ability to defend yourself, and these bills would give that power back to the students. These bills give those in the legislature a chance to do the right thing and uphold their commitment to their fellow Tennesseans. I am urging you to support constitutional carry, the removal of permit fees, and campus carry. Please use this opportunity to stand and show your support for our God-given rights.