TN HB0683

Creates a new "enhanced armed guard" registration allowing private security guards to carry rifles and shotguns while on duty, which is otherwise prohibited for standard armed security personnel

Requires applicants to have either 5 years of full-time law enforcement experience or 4 years of military service in a combat arms specialty, plus pass fingerprint-based state and federal background checks and a psychological evaluation

Mandates completion of a 16-hour commissioner-approved training course covering legal issues, weapon handling, marksmanship, tactics, scenario-based deployment training, and secure storage procedures

Enhanced armed guards may only deploy rifles or shotguns when a legitimate threat is perceived to exist or be imminent; weapons must otherwise be securely stored per commissioner rules

Registration expires annually and requires renewal with background check, fee payment, and 8-hour requalification course (minimum 6 hours of range training); effective January 1, 2026