On May 2nd, campus carry became law in Tennessee and took place immediately. The law allows faculty and staff with concealed carry permits to carry their handguns on campuses of public colleges and universities for self-defense.
The Tennessee Senate passed campus carry on April 19, and the House followed suit on April 20. The Associated Press reported that Rep. Andy Holt (R-Dresden) sponsored the legislation in the House. Sen. Mike Bell (R-Riceville) sponsored the legislation in the Senate.
According to ABC News, the new law does carve out gun-free zones on campuses that include “stadiums or gymnasiums while school-sponsored events are in progress; meetings where disciplinary or tenure issues are being discussed; hospitals or offices where medical or mental health services are provided; and any location prohibited by another law, such as at day care centers or elementary schools located on campus.”
Tennessee now joins Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin, as states that have passed laws protecting rights to carry a gun for self-defense at public colleges and universities. Campus carry takes effect in Texas August 2016 and takes effect in Kansas July 1, 2017.