Bill to lower Tennessee's concealed carry age to 18 could put permit reciprocity in jeopardy

A Tennessee bill that would lower the age for a concealed handgun permit or lawful permitless carry from 21 years old to 18 years old was approved Tuesday by a House subcommittee.

House Bill 1735 was touted by sponsoring Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, as removing an infringement on the right to bear arms for adults in the state, but Elizabeth Stroecker, legislative director for the Tennessee Department of Safety, said the bill could cost Tennessee residents reciprocity on firearm permits with up to 21 states.

“That would be a pretty big hit for anyone who wants to travel out of state,” Stroecker said.

Todd believes more states will be moving in the direction of this bill, lowering the age for concealed permits.