Firearms in Parking Lots
On April 6, 2015, Governor Haslam signed Public Chapter 80 (SB1058/HB994) into law. This legislation became effective on July 1, 2015 and provided employment protection for employees of both public and private employers who possess valid handgun carry permits.
On July 1, 2021 this protection was expanded by the signing of Public Chapter No. 108 (HB0786/SB0765) into law amending (among other statutes) T.C.A. § 39‐17‐1313 to allow any person (regardless of any ordinance or resolution to the contrary) who meets one or more of the following conditions:
- possesses a valid enhanced handgun carry permit;
- possesses a concealed handgun carry permit; or
- who lawfully carries a handgun pursuant to T.C.A. § 39‐17‐1307(g)
to transport or store a firearm or firearm ammunition in the person’s vehicle while on or using any public or private parking area if:
- the vehicle is parked in a location in which it is permitted to be; and
the firearm or ammunition is transported or stored in the vehicle in a manner kept from ordinary observation, or kept from ordinary observation and locked within the trunk, glove box, the interior of the vehicle or in a container securely affixed to the vehicle if the person is not in the vehicle.