Tennessee lawmakers are set to hear House Bill 2064, which seeks to repeal criminal offenses for carrying firearms in public parks, playgrounds, and civic centers. Sponsored by Rep. Chris Todd (R-Jackson), the bill aims to codify a 2025 judicial ruling that found state bans on guns in recreational areas unconstitutional, while potentially lowering the age for such carry to 18.
NASHVILLE, TN — A major shift in Tennessee’s firearm landscape is moving through the General Assembly as lawmakers respond to a landmark judicial decision. On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the Tennessee House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear House Bill 2064, a piece of legislation that could fundamentally change where and how Tennesseans can legally carry firearms.
The bill, sponsored by Representative Chris Todd, follows a high-profile ruling from August 2025 in which a three-judge panel declared Tennessee’s “intent to go armed” and “parks” statutes unconstitutional. The court ruled that these laws improperly criminalized the core Second Amendment right to bear arms for self-defense. HB 2064 seeks to align state law with this ruling by repealing the criminal offenses associated with carrying in public parks, playgrounds, and recreational buildings.
Civil Rights vs. Community Concerns
Rep. Todd has emphasized that the legislation is centered on the protection of civil rights. “Our obligation… is to protect people’s freedoms and liberties, especially their civil rights,” Todd stated during a recent subcommittee hearing. By repealing these statutes, the bill aims to prevent further lawsuits against the state and provide clarity for law-abiding citizens.
However, the bill has faced significant pushback from both law enforcement and community leaders. Representatives from the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) have voiced concerns about the potential for increased violence in sensitive areas. In Memphis, community leaders like the Rev. Reginald Tucker have argued that allowing younger individuals to carry in playgrounds could put innocent lives at risk.
Expanding Carry Rights and Refining Offenses
If passed, HB 2064 would:
- Repeal the “Intent to Go Armed” Statute: Removing the somewhat ambiguous misdemeanor offense that has been a staple of Tennessee gun law for decades.
- Legalize Carry in Public Spaces: Allowing individuals not prohibited from carrying a firearm to do so in state and local parks, greenways, and civic centers.
- Address 18-Year-Old Carry: Aligning with broader trends to restore carry rights to legal adults aged 18 to 20.
The bill is also expected to include a “public-place offense” for exhibiting a firearm in an “alarming, careless, or angry manner,” though critics argue these terms are too subjective and may lead to selective enforcement. As of March 11, 2026, the bill successfully passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on party lines and now awaits a full committee vote.
Safety Tip: The potential legalization of carry in public parks and playgrounds requires a higher level of situational awareness and “retention” security. If you choose to carry in a crowded area where children are playing, your holster selection is critical; a Level II or Level III retention holster is highly recommended to prevent accidental loss or an unauthorized grab during physical activity. Furthermore, always be aware of your “backstop” in these environments; a playground is one of the most complex tactical settings imaginable. Your primary responsibility is to avoid a conflict, but if forced to act, you must be 100% certain of your target and what lies beyond it. As a responsible firearm owner, your goal is to be a silent protector, not a source of “alarm” to the families around you.
