- 2025, Constitution, Gun Rights
Constitutional amendment to secure the right to bear arms.
HJR 53
Bill Description
Bill Sponsors
Rep. Jay Reedy
Bill Co-Sponsors
House: Doggett, McCalmon, Martin B, Fritts, Powers, Hill, Moody, Butler, Hurt, Barrett, Reneau, Keisling, Grills, Capley, Todd, Bricken, Vital, Haston, Slater, Jones R, Raper, Hulsey, Eldridge, Warner, Atchley, Boyd, Littleton, Lafferty, Hale, Terry, Garrett
TLRC Statement on Bill
HJR 53 proposes an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution to strengthen the right to keep and bear arms by removing language that allows the General Assembly to “regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime.” This outdated provision, added during Reconstruction in 1870, was originally used to disarm Black Tennesseans and restrict their ability to carry firearms. It is long past time to correct this historical injustice and fully align Tennessee’s constitutional protections with the “shall not be infringed” doctrine of the Second Amendment.
Currently, Tennessee’s constitution acknowledges the right to keep and bear arms for common defense but gives the legislature authority to impose regulations on carrying firearms. HJR 53 removes this language, making it clear that the right to bear arms is absolute and not subject to legislative restrictions.
By passing HJR 53, Tennessee takes a bold step toward protecting the Second Amendment rights of all citizens, ensuring that no future legislature can impose unconstitutional limits on carrying firearms. This amendment reinforces individual liberty, retracts historical wrongs, and eliminates vague language that could be used to justify future gun control measures.
