WHB/1/4
Sponsored by Gabriella Maestroiani, Pari Patel of West High School
This legislation was filed in the Safety and Homeland Security category
Presented as part of the YIG Volunteer 2024 conference
| 1 | BE IT ENACTED BY THE TENNESSEE YMCA YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT |
| 2 | |
| 3 | Section 1: Terms in this act will be defined as follows: |
| 4 | Pepper Spray: An aerosol spray containing oils derived from cayenne pepper, irritating to the eyes |
| 5 | and respiratory passages, and used as a disabling weapon. |
| 6 | |
| 7 | Section 2: The minimum age to purchase, possess, and carry pepper spray in the state of |
| 8 | Tennessee is lowered from 18 to 16 years old. Individuals aged 16 and older are permitted to |
| 9 | purchase, possess, and carry pepper spray for self-defense purposes. |
| 10 | |
| 11 | Section 3: Pepper spray shall only be used in self-defense or in defense of others. The use of |
| 12 | pepper spray for any other purpose, including but not limited to committing a crime, is strictly |
| 13 | prohibited and punishable by law. |
| 14 | |
| 15 | Section 4: Individuals aged 16 and 17 who wish to purchase, possess, or carry pepper spray must |
| 16 | complete a state-approved training course on the proper use and handling of pepper spray. The |
| 17 | Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security shall oversee the development and |
| 18 | approval of these training courses. |
| 19 | |
| 20 | Section 5: Individuals aged 16 and 17 who wish to purchase pepper spray must have certification |
| 21 | and the pepper spray must be registered. Certification can be obtained online and when an |
| 22 | individual goes to take their driver's test. Registration information shall include the individual's |
| 23 | name, address, and a description of the pepper spray purchased. |
| 24 | |
| 25 | Section 6: Violation of the age restriction or misuse of pepper spray shall result in fines and/or |
| 26 | community service, as determined by the court. Repeat offenses may result in increased penalties, |
| 27 | including the revocation of the individual's right to carry pepper spray. |
| 28 | |
| 29 | Section 7: If any provision of this law is found to be unconstitutional or unenforceable, the |
| 30 | remaining provisions shall remain in effect. |
| 31 | |
| 32 | Section 8: This law shall go into effect on January 1, 2025. The Tennessee Department of Safety |
| 33 | and Homeland Security shall have six months from the effective date to implement the new age |
| 34 | restriction and training requirements. |
| 35 |