New Order Lowers Conceal Carry Age In Tennessee

Under a new settlement, 18 year olds will now be allowed to carry a concealed weapon in the state of Tennessee. Previously state law prohibited anyone under 21 years of age from carrying a concealed weapon. However, last August the Tennessee House passed a law lowering that age to 18. However, the senate never picked up the issue. Gun rights advocates sued the state over the issue and earlier this week, a settlement was reached that will allow those 18-20 years of age to carry in the state of Tennessee. The order, agreed to in federal court on Monday, says that the state’s previous carry ban for young adults 18-20 years old was unconstitutional and will no longer be enforced. The order takes effect immediately and states that the Tennessee Department of Safety, and Homeland Security now has 90 days to begin processing handgun carry applications for 18-to-20-year-olds. The order also forces the state to pay nearly $50,000 in legal fees.