New Tennessee Gun Law Raises Concerns for Security Company CEO

The law allows certified armed security guards to carry rifles and shotguns, but the industry says more clarity is needed on implementation.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new Tennessee law went into effect in 2026 that allows certified armed security guards to carry rifles and shotguns in certain situations while on duty. However, the CEO of a large security firm in the state, Solaren Risk Management, says the law lacks clear parameters on when and how these long guns can be deployed, raising public safety concerns.

Why it matters

The new law is intended to give security companies more options to deter crime and protect employees and property. But the security industry says the lack of specifics on the use of force continuum and storage requirements creates ambiguity that could lead to misuse of the long guns and potential public safety risks.

The details

The law requires armed security guards to have at least 5 years of law enforcement or 4 years of military experience, pass a background check and psychological evaluation, and complete 16 hours of specialized training to be certified as an "enhanced armed guard" eligible to carry rifles and shotguns. However, the CEO of Solaren Risk Management, Jack Byrd, says the law does not provide clear guidelines on what constitutes a "legitimate threat" necessitating the deployment of long guns, nor does it mandate training on de-escalation tactics and less-than-lethal force options.

  • The new law went into effect on January 1, 2026.
  • A meeting is scheduled for February 9, 2026 at the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance to discuss rules for implementing the new law.

The players

Jack Byrd

The CEO of Solaren Risk Management, a large security firm in Middle Tennessee that employs hundreds of armed security officers.

William Lamberth

The Republican Tennessee House Majority Leader who co-sponsored the legislation allowing armed security guards to carry rifles and shotguns.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What has us concerned, as an industry, is that we need more answers from the state.”

— Jack Byrd, CEO, Solaren Risk Management (WKRN)

“This law provides additional options for men and women who have previous experience and training in law enforcement or in the military to apply their skills in the private sector. Businesses and private entities utilizing armed security services will be better able to deter crimes, but also provide a greater level of security for their employees and their property.”

— William Lamberth, Tennessee House Majority Leader (WATE)

What’s next

The meeting on February 9th at the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance is expected to provide more clarity on the rules and parameters for implementing the new law allowing armed security guards to carry rifles and shotguns.

The takeaway

While the intent of the new Tennessee law is to empower security companies, the lack of specifics on use of force, storage requirements, and de-escalation training has raised concerns in the industry about public safety and the potential for misuse of long guns by private security personnel.