NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's a law that was supposed to go into effect in just one week, changing what it takes to carry a concealed gun in Tennessee, but as the state worked out the program's details, the bill's start date was eventually moved to January of 2020.
The new law would remove the requirement for an eight-hour in-person class to get a concealed carry handgun permit -- leaving that requirement in place only for a new "enhanced" handgun permit, meaning someone could carry a concealed weapon after taking an online course for as little as two hours.
Art Cason with Royal Range says he's worried some may get approved without understanding the criminal and civil consequences behind carrying a gun.
"I'm concerned that under the two-hour limit, an individual may not go and get the extra training to understand, 'What do I do in a situation and what criminal charges could I face if I'm not correct, or even civil litigation," Cason said.
Cason says he thinks the new law will cut down on his business offering safety classes himself.
