Proposed Tennessee Constitutional Amendment Would Solidify Right To Bear Arms

Image Credit: @JayDReedy / X & Canva

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

A Republican lawmaker has filed a House Joint Resolution, the first step in amending the state constitution, aimed at reaffirming Second Amendment rights for Tennessee citizens and restricting the ability of the legislature to regulate the wearing of firearms.

HJR0053, sponsored by Rep. Jay Reedy (R-Dist.74-Erin) proposes Article 1, Section 26 of the Tennessee Constitution be amended to ensure the legislature cannot restrain a citizen’s right to keep and bear arms.

Currently, the language of Section 26 states that a person may keep and bear arms for their “common defense”, but the legislature retains the power, “to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime.”

The proposed resolution would strike the portion of the clause granting the legislature any power, simply leaving the wording as, “That the citizens of this State have a right to keep and to bear arms.”

A resolution is the first requirement to amend the state constitution, and it must be passed by a simple majority in both chambers of the General Assembly this session before again passing through the legislature by a 2/3 majority in both the House and Senate the following year.

 Should the proposal pass both legislative sessions, it will move to the ballot via referendum, though it may only be considered during a gubernatorial election year. Then, to become official, the amendment must be passed by majority of voters who voted in the Governor’s race. 

There is another joint resolution for consideration this session, filed by Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Dist.61-Brentwood), that would enshrine protections for the unborn into the Tennessee Constitution.

Amongst other protection of life provisions, HJR0007 defines personhood to include, “every human being from fertilization to natural death.”

Both resolutions, should they successfully pass this and the 2026 legislative sessions, could then potentially be on the ballot before the public for the 2026 gubernatorial election. If they are not referred to the 2026 ballot, they would have to be deferred until at least 2030.

Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.