Senator Joey Hensley, MD

The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental liberty in America, and Tennessee has long been a champion of this constitutional right. In recent years, in the General Assembly we have taken significant steps to reinforce and safeguard the Second Amendment for our law-abiding Tennesseans. With a range of laws and policies, Tennessee has aimed to ensure that its residents can exercise their right to self-defense without undue restrictions or infringement.

Permitless Carry

One of the most notable recent developments in Tennessee's defense of the Second Amendment is the passage of our permitless carry law. In 2021, the General Assembly approved legislation that allows law-abiding citizens to carry firearms without a permit, recognizing that the right to self-defense is inherent and should not be impeded by unnecessary barriers This law makes it more affordable and accessible for Tennesseans to protect themselves.

Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act

This year we passed a new law that protects financial transaction data associated with firearm and ammunition purchases from being used to conduct mass surveillance of law-abiding Tennesseans. It prohibits financial institutions from requiring the use of a specific merchant category code (MCC) to identify transactions that occur at firearms retailers in the state. These financial institutes include banks and credit card companies. Alleged violations of the law will be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and could result in a civil penalty of up to $10,000

Tennesseans should never have to worry about their legal purchases being denied or tracked simply because they involve firearms and ammunition. This legislation will increase protections for law-abiding citizens who wish to take advantage of their constitutionally-protected right to bear arms.

Protecting gun owners from mass surveillance

The General Assembly has a record of passing laws to protect the privacy of gun owners in Tennessee. In 2021, we made it a Class E felony for any public official to disclose information about a gun owner if that information could be used to compile a federal firearms registry or aid in confiscation efforts. This law aims to safeguard the identities of responsible gun owners, ensuring that their personal information remains private and cannot be misused by the government or others with harmful intent. Furthermore, another law passed that year which prevents any state or local entity from creating a firearms registry.

These measures enhance the protection of Second Amendment rights by ensuring that the government does not keep records on who possesses firearms, preventing potential abuses or overreach.

Tennessee is a Second Amendment Sanctuary

In a clear stand against federal overreach, Tennessee declared itself a Second Amendment sanctuary through the passage of the Tennessee Second Amendment Sanctuary Act of 2021. This act prohibits state and local officials from enforcing federal laws, treaties, executive orders, or regulations that infringe on the Second Amendment rights of Tennessee citizens. By doing so, Tennessee asserts its commitment to defending constitutional rights against encroachments by the federal government.

Complementing this, the Tennessee Firearm Protection Act of 2021 restricts the use of state or local resources to enforce any federal laws or executive orders that attempt to regulate firearms, ammunition, or accessories in ways that conflict with Tennessee state law or the Tennessee Constitution. These actions further cement Tennessee’s dedication to safeguarding the Second Amendment.

Increasing places trained, law-abiding citizens can carry handguns

The General Assembly has also broadened the scope of where law-abiding citizens, particularly retired law enforcement officers, can carry firearms. In 2023 we passed a law which permits retired law enforcement officers, who are employed part-time by a higher education institution, to carry a handgun on the institution’s property. This applies to individuals who retired in good standing and served at least 20 years, ensuring that those who have dedicated their careers to public safety can continue to do so in educational environments.

In another effort to support those serving the country, a law passed in 2019 ensures that handgun carry permits remain valid for active members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed outside of Tennessee, even if the permit expires while they are on active duty. This law demonstrates Tennessee’s respect for military service and commitment to protecting the rights of those who protect the nation.

Supporting Firearm and Ammunition Manufacturers

The General Assembly has taken steps to shield firearm and ammunition manufacturers from unjust litigation. A law passed in 2023 provides civil liability protection to manufacturers, preventing them from being held responsible for the illegal use of their products by criminals. This law acknowledges that holding manufacturers accountable for the actions of lawbreakers is both unfair and detrimental to the industry. The law helps ensure the continued availability of firearms and ammunition for law-abiding citizens.

Through a series of legislative actions, Tennessee has demonstrated a firm commitment to upholding the Second Amendment. From permitless carry and protections against federal overreach to privacy safeguards and incentives for firearm safety, the state continues to stand as a bulwark for the right to bear

You May Contact

Senator Hensley at

425 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Suite 742

Nashville TN 37243

615-741-3100

Toll Free 1-800-449-8366 ext. 13100

Fax 615-253-0231

855 Summertown Highway

Hohenwald TN 38462

Phone 931-796-2018

Cell Phone 931-212-8823

E-mail: [email protected]