1ST TENNESSEE RIFLES UMIT

Tennessee State Constitution Article I, Section 26 That the citizens of this State have a right to keep and to bear arms for their common defense; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime.

How do I apply for a Permit/License? Date updated: Aug 23, 2005. You must be 21 to apply for a Concealed firearms permit. To obtain a handgun carry permit in Tennessee, you must first complete a handgun safety course offered by a handgun safety school that is certified by the Department of Safety. You should then obtain a handgun carry permit application from any driver license station. Although the application is available at all stations and all stations now process the applications. Once you complete the application, return it to any of the driver’s license stations. Bring with you the original copy of your safety course completion certificate. $115. for the permit fee. This fee must be paid in cash or with a certified check. If there are no problems with the application and you meet all eligibility requirements, you should receive your permit within 90 days of the date you submit your application. The following items can be obtained at Tennessee DPS. Application for Handgun Carry Permit Application Requirements for Applicants with a Out-of-State Permit Duplicate Permit/Change of Address Frequently Asked Questions Handgun Carry Permit Related Forms Handgun General Information How to Renew Your Handgun Permit Qualifications/Requirements for Obtaining a Handgun Permit T.C.A. Codes Associated with Handgun Carry Permits

Non Resident Permits Handgun carry permits. (3) (B) If a person with a handgun permit from another state decides to become a resident of Tennessee, such person must obtain a Tennessee handgun permit within six (6) months of establishing residency in Tennessee. Such permit may be issued based on the person having a permit from another state provided such other state has substantially similar permit eligibility requirements as this state. However, if during such six (6) month period the person applies for a handgun permit in this state and such application is denied, the person shall not be allowed to carry a handgun in this state based upon the other state’s permit. (C)(i) If a person who is a resident of and handgun permit holder in another state is employed in this state on a regular basis and desires to carry a handgun in this state, such person shall have six (6) months from the last day of the sixth month of regular employment in this state to obtain a Tennessee handgun carry permit. Such permit may be issued based on the person having a permit from another state provided such other state has substantially similar permit eligibility requirements as this state. However, if during such six (6) month period the person applies for a handgun permit in this state and such application is denied, the person shall not be allowed to carry a handgun in this state based upon the other state’s permit. (ii) The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply if the state of residence of the person employed in Tennessee has entered into a handgun permit reciprocity agreement with this state pursuant to this subsection. (iii) As used in this subdivision, “employed in this state on a regular basis” means a person has been gainfully employed in this state for at least thirty (30) hours a week for six (6) consecutive months not counting any absence from employment caused by the employee’s use of sick leave, annual leave, administrative leave or compensatory time.

Documents required Date updated: Aug 5, 2005 Applicant shall submit proof of the successful completion of a department approved Handgun Safety Course with in the past six (6) months. Applicant is required to present a photo ID to the department at the time of filing the application.

Issuing authority Date updated: Aug 2, 2005 Handgun Carry Permit Office, Tennessee Department of Safety (615) 251-8590 

Permit/License term Date updated: Jul 29, 2005 4 Years. Approximate cost Date updated: Jul 29, 2005 New $115 Renewal $50

Places off-limits while carrying Date updated: Aug 23, 2005 It is an offense for a person to possess a firearm within the confines of a building open to the public where liquor, wine or other alcoholic beverage, as defined in 57-3-101(a)(1)(A) ,. or beer as defined in 57-6-102(1) , are served for on premises consumption. Any room in which judicial proceedings are in progress. Any public or private school building or bus, on any public or private school campus, grounds, recreation area, athletic field or any other property owned, used or operated by any board of education, school, college or university board of trustees, regents or directors for the administration of any public or private educational institution. It is not an offense for a nonstudent adult to possess a firearm, if such firearm is contained within a private vehicle operated by the adult and is not handled by such adult, or by any other person acting with the expresses or implied consent of such adult, while such vehicle is on school property. On the grounds of any public park, playground, civic center or other building facility, area or property owned, used or operated by any municipal, county or state government, or instrumentality thereof, for recreational purposes. An individual, corporation, business entity or government entity or agent thereof is authorized to prohibit possession of weapons by any person otherwise authorized by this subsection, at meetings conducted by, or on premises owned, operated, managed or under control of such individual, corporation, business entity or government entity. Notice of such prohibition shall be posted in prominent locations, including all entrances primarily used by persons entering the building, portion of the building or buildings where weapon possession is prohibited. § 39-17-1359. Prohibition at certain meetings - Posting notice. (a) An individual, corporation, business entity or local, state or federal government entity or agent thereof is authorized to prohibit the possession of weapons by any person otherwise authorized by § 39-17-1351 - § 39-17-1360, at meetings conducted by, or on property owned, operated, or managed or under the control of such individual, corporation, business entity or government entity. Notice of such prohibition shall be posted. Posted notices shall be displayed in prominent locations, including all entrances primarily used by persons entering the building, portion of the building or buildings where weapon possession is prohibited. If the possession of weapons is also prohibited on the premises of any such property as well as within the confines of a building located on such property, the notice shall be posted at all entrances to the premises that are primarily used by persons entering the property. The notice shall be in English but a notice may also be posted in any language used by patrons, customers or persons who frequent the place where weapon possession is prohibited. In addition to the sign, notice may also include the international circle and slash symbolizing the prohibition of the item within the circle. The sign shall be of a size that is plainly visible to the average person entering the building, premises or property and shall contain language substantially similar to the following: Pursuant to § 39-17-1359 , the owner/operator of this property has banned weapons on this property, or within this building or this portion of this building. Failure to comply with this prohibition is punishable as a criminal act under state law and may subject the violator to a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500). (b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter, reduce or eliminate any civil or criminal liability that a property owner or manager may have for injuries arising on their property. (c) Any posted notice being used by a local, state or federal governmental entity on July 1, 2000 that is in substantial compliance with the provisions of subsection (a) of this section may continue to be used by such governmental entity. (d) The provisions of this section shall not apply to title 70 regarding wildlife laws, rules and regulations. [Acts 1996, ch. 905, § 11; 2000, ch. 929, § 1.]  

Car/Gun law summary Date updated: Jul 29, 2005 Unless you have a TN carry Permit(Or a permit TN honors),Weapon must be unloaded and out reach, Ammo must be separate from firearm. Federal Law on the Transportation of Firearms. Title 18 U.S.C. Section 926A 

Must inform Law Enforcement when Carrying Date updated: Aug 23, 2005 39-17-1351. The permittee shall have the permit in the holder’s immediate possession at all times when carrying a handgun and shall display the permit on demand of a law enforcement officer. You must have your permit on your person at all times when carrying a handgun, Open or concealed.

Carrying without a Permit/License Date updated: Aug 11, 2005 From the TFA web site FAQ Page: Do I have to carry my handgun concealed? This question was asked on: 1/21/2002 Answer: Strictly speaking, no. The Tennessee Firearms Association fought against the concealment provision so people who accidentally exposed their weapon would not lose their right to carry, or worse. It is strongly suggested, for a number of reasons, you keep you handgun concealed. Although legal, you will almost certainly be detained by the police if you carry openly. 

Peaceable journey law summary Date updated: Aug 2, 2005 Unless you have a TN carry Permit or a permit TN honors the Weapon must be unloaded and out of reach, Ammo must be separate from firearm. 

Deadly force law summary Date updated: Aug 23, 2005 39-11-611. Self-defense. (a) A person is justified in threatening or using force against another person when and to the degree the person reasonably believes the force is immediately necessary to protect against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful force. The person must have a reasonable belief that there is an imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury. The danger creating the belief of imminent death or serious bodily injury must be real, or honestly believed to be real at the time, and must be founded upon reasonable grounds. There is no duty to retreat before a person threatens or uses force. (b) Any person using force intended or likely to cause death or serious bodily injury within the person’s own residence is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or serious bodily injury to self, family or a member of the household when that force is used against another person, not a member of the family or household, who unlawfully and forcibly enters or has unlawfully and forcibly entered the residence, and the person using the force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry occurred. 

Admin note There could be other sections of the Tennessee Code that pertains to Deadly Force or Use of Force. Case Law also has a huge impact on Deadly Force laws. It is your responsibility to know the Law. 

Knife carry law summary Date updated: Aug 23, 2005 39-17-1301. Part definitions. (7) “Knife” means any bladed hand instrument that is capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by cutting or stabbing a person with the instrument; 39-17-1302. Prohibited weapons. (a) A person commits an offense who intentionally or knowingly possesses, manufactures, transports, repairs or sells: (7) A switchblade knife or knuckles; 39-17-1307. Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon. (a) (1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4”), or a club. 39-17-1309. Carrying weapons on school property. (a) As used in this section, “weapon of like kind” includes razors and razor blades, except those used solely for personal shaving, and any sharp pointed or edged instrument, except unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction and maintenance. (b) (1) It is an offense for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, with the intent to go armed, any firearm, explosive, explosive weapon, bowie knife, hawk bill knife, ice pick, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, knuckles or any other weapon of like kind, not used solely for instructional or school-sanctioned ceremonial purposes, in any public or private school building or bus, on any public or private school campus, grounds, recreation area, athletic field or any other property owned, used or operated by any board of education, school, college or university board of trustees, regents or directors for the administration of any public or private educational institution. 39-17-1310. Affirmative defense to carrying weapons on school property. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under § 39-17-1309(a)-(d) that the person’s behavior was in strict compliance with the requirements of one (1) of the following classifications: (4) A person entering the property for the sole purpose of delivering or picking up passengers and who does not remove, utilize or allow to be removed or utilized any weapon from the vehicle. 

State/local preemption law Date updated: Aug 23, 2005 39-17-1314. Local regulation of firearms and ammunition preempted by state regulation - Actions against firearms or ammunition manufacturers, trade associations or dealers. (a) No city, county, or urban-county government shall occupy any part of the field of regulation of the transfer, ownership, possession or transportation of firearms, ammunition or components of firearms or combination's thereof; provided, that the provisions of this section shall be prospective only and shall not affect the validity of any ordinance or resolution lawfully enacted before April 8, 1986. (b) The general assembly declares that the lawful design, marketing, manufacture and sale of firearms and ammunition to the public are not unreasonably dangerous activities and do not constitute a nuisance per se. (c) (1) The authority to bring suit and right to recover against any firearms or ammunition manufacturer, trade association or dealer by or on behalf of any state entity, county, municipality or metropolitan government for damages, abatement or injunction relief resulting from or relating to the lawful design, manufacture, marketing or sale of firearms or ammunition to the public shall be reserved exclusively to the state. (2) Nothing in this subsection (c) shall be construed to prohibit a county, municipality, or metropolitan government from bringing an action against a firearms or ammunition manufacturer or dealer for breach of contract or warranty as to firearms or ammunition purchased by such county, municipality, or metropolitan government. (3) Nothing in this subsection (c) shall preclude an individual from bringing a cause of action for breach of a written contract, breach of an express warranty, or for injuries resulting from defects in the materials or workmanship in the manufacture of the firearm. (d) The provisions of subsections (b) and (c) shall not apply in any litigation brought by an individual against a firearms or ammunition manufacturer, trade association or dealer. [Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1999, ch. 293, §§ 1, 2.] 

Offices relating to CCW licensing in Tennessee State Law Enforcement: Tennessee Department of Safety 1150 Foster Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37249 Phone: (615) 251-5216 Fax: (615) 253-2091 Web Homepage Email: safety@mail.state.tn.us Attorney General: Attorney General 425 5th Avenue North Nashville, Tennessee 37243 Phone: (615) 741-5860 Fax: Unk Web Homepage Email: sharon.curtis-flair@state.tn.us Licensing Authority: Tennessee Department of Safety 1150 Foster Ave Nashville, Tennessee 37249-1000 Phone: (615) 251-8590 Fax: Unk Web Homepage Email: Email.Safety@state.tn.us