Tennessee allows adults 18 and older to carry a loaded handgun openly or concealed without a permit under HB 600 and earlier 2021 legislation. Chattanooga cannot impose stricter local rules due to firearms preemption under TCA 39-17-1314.
Tennessee law permits anyone 18 or older who can lawfully possess a handgun to carry it openly or concealed without a state permit, after HB 600 expanded the 2021 permitless carry statute. State preemption in TCA 39-17-1314 blocks Chattanooga from passing local ordinances on firearm possession, transfer, storage, or carry. The city can still ban firearms in city buildings, parks where state law allows, and posted public meetings. Optional enhanced and concealed handgun permits remain available through TN Safety and Homeland Security for reciprocity.
Carrying without meeting the lawful possession criteria, such as a felony record or being under 18, is still a state crime under TCA 39-17-1307 even with permitless carry.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Chattanooga, TN
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See how Chattanooga's concealed carry rules stack up against other locations.
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