TN aims for open permitless carry for 18-year-olds [View all]

The bill to allow 18-year-olds to open carry handguns without a permit passed a big potential roadblock in the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday, which has killed a lot of bills this year.

“It’s for self-defense. That’s not a right we’re given. It’s a right we have,” Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon) said. “We’re given it by God alone.”

Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) pushed back on the bill, citing the maturity levels of 18-year-olds.

“18-year-olds like myself were still in high school or are – I was 18 half my high school year, I turned 18 in December,” she said. “I just don’t think any high-schooler is responsible enough to have a deadly weapon.”

Many Republicans have talked about rising juvenile crime rates this year. In turn, Lamar questioned if it was wise to open up gun access to younger people.

“Every day we see bodies dropping because juveniles are having more access to guns,” Lamar said. “There are people taking guns. Guns are ravaging our community.”

https://www.wate.com/news/tennessee/tennessee-aims-for-open-permitless-carry-for-18-year-olds-either-through-bill-or-attorney-generals-office/

They can't legally drink, but you want them to carry guns without a permit? Yeah, no.