Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, deletes the criminal offenses of carrying a firearm or club with intent to go armed and carrying a weapon in a public park with the intent to go armed; prohibits a juvenile from carrying a firearm with intent to go armed except in certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 49; Title 50 and Title 55.
SB 1629 removes criminal penalties for carrying a firearm with intent to go armed in public places, including public parks, by deleting related offenses in Tennessee law. It updates definitions to use "firearm" instead of "handgun" in multiple sections and creates specific exceptions allowing juveniles to carry firearms under limited circumstances, such as protecting livestock or transporting unloaded firearms in vehicles with safety measures. The bill also clarifies that schools may restrict firearm access in certain areas while permitting authorized individuals to carry firearms in state parks and recreational areas. This legislation directly affects the general public, juveniles, and educational institutions by modifying firearm possession rules and penalties. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 14, 2026
Last action Jan 15, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jan 15, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Jan 14, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Joey Hensley
RRepublican
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