Criminal Justice (Firearms)

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1851: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, removes certain criminal offenses relative to the possession and carrying of firearms, including the offense of carrying a firearm with the intent to go armed if the person has been convicted of stalking or DUI in certain circumstances and the offense of possession of a firearm by a person under 25 if the person was adjudicated delinquent for certain offenses as a juvenile; removes the offense of possessing or carrying a weapon in a public park, playground, civic center, or other public recreational area; makes various other changes relative to the possession and carrying of firearms. - Amends TCA Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65.

SB 1851 removes three specific criminal prohibitions related to firearm possession in Tennessee. It eliminates penalties for carrying a firearm with intent to go armed if someone has certain stalking or DUI convictions under defined circumstances. It also removes the ban on firearm possession for people under 25 who were adjudicated delinquent for specific juvenile offenses. Additionally, the bill repeals the prohibition against carrying weapons in public parks, playgrounds, and other recreational areas. These changes amend multiple sections of Tennessee's firearm laws (TCA Titles 16, 36-40, 49, and 65).

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves firearm possession prohibitions for specific offenses, reducing criminalization and aligning with criminal justice reform goals by expanding rights for certain individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · House Sep 11, 2025

HB 883: Handgun Permits - As introduced, extends the time, from 30 to 45 days, within which a person whose handgun carry permit has been suspended or revoked may petition the chancery court for judicial review of the department of safety's final determination. - Amends TCA Title 39.

HB 883 changes Tennessee law to extend the timeframe for handgun permit holders to seek court review after their permit is suspended or revoked. Specifically, it increases the window from 30 to 45 days to petition a chancery court regarding the Tennessee Department of Safety's decision. This directly affects individuals whose carry permits have been suspended or revoked under state law. The amendment applies to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 39, Section 39-17-1354(a), and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends judicial review window for permit holders, protecting due process rights in criminal justice context per TCA 39-17-1354(a).90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 1131: Orders of Protection - As introduced, allows a court to issue an emergency protection order upon a finding that a person poses an imminent risk of harm to the person or others if allowed to purchase or possess a firearm; authorizes a family member, household member, intimate partner, or law enforcement officer to petition for such an order. - Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 39.

SB 1131 would allow Tennessee courts to issue emergency protection orders prohibiting individuals from purchasing or possessing firearms when a family member, household member, intimate partner, or law enforcement officer files a petition alleging an imminent risk of harm. The order would take effect immediately, with a court hearing required within 30 days to extend it for up to one year if the petitioner proves the risk by a preponderance of evidence. Petitioners would not pay court costs, fees, or related expenses, and law enforcement must report the order to national databases. This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, to establish this process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens firearm restrictions in domestic violence cases via emergency protection orders, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to prevent harm and enhance victim safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

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failed · Tennessee · House Feb 18, 2026

HB 948: Domestic Violence - As introduced, requires a person who is convicted of domestic assault or subject to an order of protection to dispossess any firearm in the person's possession by transferring the firearm to a law enforcement agency and to provide the court with an affidavit of dispossession of firearms and a receipt from the law enforcement agency. - Amends TCA Title 36; Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 948 requires individuals convicted of domestic assault or subject to a domestic violence order of protection to surrender any firearms they possess to a law enforcement agency within 48 hours. They must then provide the court with a receipt from law enforcement and a completed affidavit of firearm dispossession within three business days. Law enforcement must issue a receipt at the time of surrender, and the court will require proof of compliance. The law applies to all such orders or convictions occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates firearm surrender by domestic violence offenders, reducing gun access for high-risk individuals and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to enhance victim safety and prevent recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

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passed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 34: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates a Class A misdemeanor for knowingly giving, selling, lending, delivering, or otherwise transferring a firearm to a person when the transferor knows or reasonably should know that the person receiving the firearm is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm under state or federal law. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

SB 34 creates a Class A misdemeanor for knowingly transferring a firearm to someone prohibited from owning one under state or federal law, directly affecting individuals who sell, lend, or give firearms to such persons. The bill amends Tennessee Code § 39-17-1316 to prohibit giving, selling, lending, delivering, or otherwise transferring firearms when the transferor knows or should reasonably know the recipient is prohibited. Violations carry penalties of up to 11 months in jail and/or fines. The law applies to all firearm transfers occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates Class A misdemeanor for illegal firearm transfers to prohibited persons, strengthening enforcement against firearm crimes under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 8, 2025

SB 1184: Domestic Violence - As introduced, requires a person who is convicted of domestic assault or subject to an order of protection to dispossess any firearm in the person's possession by transferring the firearm to a law enforcement agency and to provide the court with an affidavit of dispossession of firearms and a receipt from the law enforcement agency. - Amends TCA Title 36; Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 1184 requires individuals convicted of domestic assault or subject to a court-ordered protection plan to surrender all firearms to a designated law enforcement agency within 48 hours. They must also submit a sworn affidavit of surrender and a receipt from the agency to the court within three business days. This applies to people under existing protection orders or those convicted of domestic violence offenses in Tennessee. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections related to domestic violence protection orders (Title 36), criminal sentencing (Title 39), and firearm possession laws (Title 40), creating a standardized process for firearm surrender and documentation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires firearm surrender for domestic violence offenders to prevent further harm, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing recidivism and enhancing victim safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1350: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, allows a court to issue an extreme risk protection order upon a finding by clear and convincing evidence that a person poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to the person or others if allowed to possess or purchase a firearm; authorizes a law enforcement officer or relative to file a petition for an extreme risk protection order; creates an offense to store or keep a firearm in any place unless the firearm is secured in a locked container, unloaded, and separate from ammunition except when the firearm is carried by or under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user; prohibits a gun dealer from delivering a firearm to a purchaser until 15 business days after the completion of certain requirements. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 38 and Title 39, Chapter 17.

SB 1350 proposes a new "extreme risk protection order" (ERPO) process in Tennessee, allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a significant danger to themselves or others. Law enforcement officers or close relatives can file petitions with clear evidence of risk, leading to a court hearing within 14 days and potential 12-month orders. The bill also requires firearms to be stored unloaded and locked away from ammunition (except during lawful use) and adds a 15-business-day waiting period for gun purchases after background checks. These changes would directly affect firearm owners facing ERPO petitions or subject to storage rules. The bill is currently pending review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIntroduces ERPOs to prevent firearm access for high-risk individuals, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing gun violence and enhancing public safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 985: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, removes the criminal offense of possession of a weapon in a building or on property that is properly posted; removes the requirement that the department of safety suspend or revoke a handgun carry permit for a violation of that offense by a handgun permit holder. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

HB 985 modifies Tennessee's firearm laws by removing the criminal offense for possessing a weapon in a properly posted building or property, and eliminating automatic permit suspensions for this violation. It requires property owners who restrict firearms to post clear signage, install metal detectors at all public entrances, and have trained security officers inspect all visitors and bags. This primarily affects businesses, venues, and property managers seeking to prohibit firearms, while exempting libraries, law enforcement buildings, Head Start facilities, and certain licensed properties. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and shifts enforcement focus to physical security measures rather than criminal penalties for non-compliance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves criminal offense for weapon possession in properly posted areas, reducing unnecessary criminalization in firearm laws.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Law Enforcement

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failed · Tennessee · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 1390: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, allows a court to issue an extreme risk protection order upon a finding by clear and convincing evidence that a person poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to the person or others if allowed to possess or purchase a firearm; authorizes a law enforcement officer or relative to file a petition for an extreme risk protection order; creates an offense to store or keep a firearm in any place unless the firearm is secured in a locked container, unloaded, and separate from ammunition except when the firearm is carried by or under the control of the owner or other lawfully authorized user; prohibits a gun dealer from delivering a firearm to a purchaser until 15 business days after the completion of certain requirements. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 38 and Title 39, Chapter 17.

HB 1390 would allow Tennessee courts to issue extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to pose a significant danger of causing personal injury to themselves or others. Petitions for ERPOs can be filed by law enforcement officers or close relatives, requiring clear and convincing evidence of danger before a court acts. The bill also mandates that firearms be stored locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition (except when carried by the owner), and requires gun dealers to delay firearm deliveries for 15 business days to complete background checks. These provisions directly affect firearm owners, law enforcement, gun dealers, and individuals subject to ERPO petitions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeHB 1390 establishes ERPOs to prevent gun violence via court intervention, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing harm through proactive safety measures.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 1210: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, requires, if the respondent on an order of protection dispossesses firearms by transferring possession to a third party who is not prohibited from possessing firearms, the respondent to specify the third party and the physical address where all firearms are located on the affidavit of firearms dispossession form; requires the third party to sign the affidavit of firearms dispossession form to acknowledge receipt of the firearms. - Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 6.

This bill requires individuals under domestic violence protection orders who transfer firearms to a third party (not prohibited from owning guns) to list the third party's name and full address on the firearms dispossession form. It also mandates that the third party sign the form to confirm receipt of the firearms. The changes apply specifically to cases where firearms are transferred rather than surrendered to law enforcement. The bill aims to create a clear, documented record of firearm transfers in domestic violence cases to enhance safety transparency. (Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 6)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds accountability in firearm transfers under domestic violence orders, preventing prohibited access to firearms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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