Firearms in the Workplace

Under T.C.A. §  39-17-1314, counties, cities, and metropolitan governments are authorized to regulate by resolution, ordinance, policy, rule, or other enactment the carrying of firearms by employees or independent contractors of the county or city or metropolitan government when acting in the course and scope of their employment or contract, except as otherwise provided in T.C.A. § 39-17-1313.  Under this statute the county may, by action of the county legislative body, allow or prohibit the carrying of firearms and may establish rules setting out circumstances under which firearms are allowed to be carried by their employees or contractors.

Counties choosing to allow employees to carry firearms at work should contact their liability insurance carrier to determine the extent of their insurance coverage.  Also note that employees who carry firearms at work would be required to follow all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations, including obtaining and maintaining a carry permit if applicable.

The sheriff is the only elected official that has statutory authority to authorize employees to carry a weapon, pursuant to T.C.A. § 39-17-1315.