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2021 Tennessee Code
Title 49 - Education
Chapter 7 - Postsecondary and Higher Education Generally
Part 1 - Miscellaneous Provisions
§ 49-7-161. Handgun Carry Policy of Private Institutions of Higher Education — Establishment — Rules and Limitations

Universal Citation: TN Code § 49-7-161 (2021)
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    1. The board or governing entity of each private institution of higher education, whether for-profit or nonprofit, or the chief administrative officer if the institution does not have a board or governing entity, may establish a policy for the carrying of handguns on the campus and grounds of any property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution.

    2. Any handgun carry policy adopted by the board or governing entity, or the chief administrative officer when appropriate, may:

      1. Prohibit the carrying or possession of a handgun on all property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution;

      2. Permit the carrying of handguns by persons qualified under subsection (b) on all property owned or operated by the institution, and in any building or structure located on property owned or operated by the institution; or

      3. Permit the carrying of handguns by persons qualified under subsection (b) in certain areas on the property of the institution or in certain buildings, and prohibit the carrying in other areas or buildings.

  2. If the board or governing entity, or the chief administrative officer when appropriate, permits the possession of handguns at the private institution, the following rules and limitations shall apply:

    1. No person who is otherwise prohibited from possessing a handgun is permitted to carry a handgun on property owned or operated by the institution;

    2. The person must have a valid Tennessee handgun carry permit, pursuant to § 39-17-1351; and

    3. No private institution that permits the possession of handguns on the property owned or operated by the institution pursuant to this section shall be required to post signs as required by § 39-17-1309(d).


    1. The handgun carry policy for each private institution shall be reduced to writing and disseminated in a manner most likely to ensure that it is known by students attending the institution; the parent or guardian of each student; the faculty, staff, and employees of the institution; and others who may go upon the grounds or enter a building on property owned or operated by the institution. The policy shall be made available in the administration building to anyone desiring a copy, distributed to all interested parties, including parents of minor students enrolled at the institution, and others by a method or methods reasonably likely to ensure dissemination of the policy, such as e-mails, text messaging, or posting on the institution's website.

    2. The policy shall go into effect thirty (30) days after it is adopted and disseminated as provided in this subsection (c).

  4. If a private institution does not adopt a handgun carry policy in accordance with subsection (a), then the carrying or possession of a firearm is prohibited in accordance with § 39-17-1309.

  5. The chief administrative officer shall submit a copy of the handgun carry policy for the institution to the sheriff's department and, if applicable, police department with jurisdiction over the institution.
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