The Tennessee Firearms Association asked Rep. Ben West Jr. (the best Democrat in Tennessee) to pose three questions to the Tennessee Attorney General for a formal opinion. After the passage of several months, the AG has responded:

1. Q: Does Tennessee law require that individuals who have been issued civilian handgun permits under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351 carry the handgun(s) concealed?

   
   A: Neither Tenn. Code Arm. § 3917-1351, nor any other statute governing the carrying of firearms, requires the holder of a handgun carry permit to carry the handgun in a concealed manner.

2. Q: If Tennessee law does not require concealment of a handgun by a civilian handgun permit holder, may a law enforcement officer legally arrest an individual for carrying a handgun openly in Tennessee if the individual is not carrying it in a prohibited location (e.g., courtroom)?

   
   A: Yes. A handgun carry permit holder may be arrested for carrying a handgun openly if he or she is using the handgun to commit a crime, or is otherwise engaged in criminal activity while carrying the handgun.

3. Q: May a law enforcement officer legally seize a handgun carry permit from an individual when that individual is arrested or charged with a crime?

   A: No. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1352(c) states that a law enforcement officer may only seize a handgun carry permit when directed to do so by the Department of Safety.

Just one more example of why every gun owner in Tennessee should join the Tennessee Firearms Association and support the Legislative Action Committee.