I am an assistant professor in the US. I will be applying for tenure next year and, barring something unforeseen, I expect to get it. However, I live in a state that is having (ahem) issues with academic freedom recently. I am therefore considering going back on the job market and moving to greener pastures.

My question is: is it possible to apply for an Associate Professor position during one's tenure year? I.e., when tenure is expected by the end of the year but has not yet been granted? Or: I suppose anything is possible, but will such applications be considered? Or do I have to wait another year in this state?

Edited for clarity: I am an assistant professor in the US. I will be applying for tenure next year and, barring something unforeseen, I expect to get it. However, I live in a state that is having (ahem) issues with academic freedom recently. I am therefore considering going back on the job market and moving to greener pastures.

My question is: is it possible to apply for an Associate Professor position during one's tenure year? I.e., when tenure is expected by the end of the year but has not yet been granted? Specifically, I am wondering whether search committees will look seriously at an application from an assistant prof, and whether departments will vote to hire someone with tenure if it hasn't been formally awarded by the home institution yet. Or do I have to wait another year in this state?