Sen. Joey Hensley

Maddy summarySB 2382 amends Tennessee law to extend the deadline by which the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) must report excess funds collected from gun dealer background check fees. Specifically, it changes the reporting date from February 1 to February 15 each year. The bill affects the TBI’s administrative process for handling fees collected from gun dealers, with no changes to the underlying fee structure or gun regulations. This is a procedural adjustment to the reporting timeline, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summarySB 2359 modifies Tennessee law to create a rebuttable presumption that children under 13 years old would suffer significant emotional distress from testifying in court during criminal cases involving certain offenses, making it easier for judges to allow video testimony instead. The bill directly affects child victims under 13 in criminal trials, shifting the burden to the defense to prove the child wouldn’t be traumatized if testifying in person. Key provisions require judges to find that video testimony wouldn’t unduly prejudice the defendant before ordering it. The law amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 24-7-120 and 39, aiming to reduce trauma for young witnesses while maintaining defendant rights.

Maddy summarySB 2478 changes Tennessee's firearm laws by removing the offense of carrying a firearm with "intent to go armed" in schools and on school buses (when posted), and deleting similar restrictions on university campuses. It rewrites rules about possessing handguns while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and carrying weapons during court proceedings. The bill also adds new provisions allowing property owners to threaten deadly force against unlawful trespassers who refuse to leave, creating a presumption of justification for such actions. These changes directly affect school staff, students, property owners, and individuals interacting with law enforcement over firearm-related incidents.

Maddy summarySB 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).

Maddy summarySJR 620 proposes a constitutional amendment to Tennessee's Article I, prohibiting the state from forcing any person to undergo medical treatment - even during a declared emergency. It defines "medical treatment" broadly to include procedures, drugs, vaccinations, or other interventions for diagnosing or treating physical or mental conditions. The amendment would require due process before any medical intervention, while allowing the Tennessee General Assembly to pass laws to implement this protection. This change would directly affect all Tennessee residents by restricting state-mandated medical actions.

Maddy summarySB 993 extends the deadline for individuals with suspended or revoked handgun permits to request court review of the decision from 30 to 60 days. This change directly affects permit holders whose permits were suspended or revoked by the Tennessee Department of Safety. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee law (Titles 4, 8, 10, 29, 33, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 49, 50, and 70) to update this review period, providing more time for affected individuals to seek judicial review.

Maddy summarySB 1405 extends the deadline for permit holders in Tennessee to notify the Department of Safety of a new address from 60 days to 90 days after moving. This change directly affects individuals and businesses holding permits regulated under Tennessee law (such as those for firearms, professional licenses, or commercial activities). The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law across multiple code titles to update this notification timeframe. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025, providing permit holders with additional time to update their address records.

Maddy summarySB 824 removes the criminal penalty for possessing a firearm in a building or on property that is properly posted with signage prohibiting weapons. It also eliminates the requirement for the Department of Safety to suspend or revoke a handgun carry permit for violations of this rule. Property owners who want to restrict firearms must now install metal detectors and employ trained security staff at all public entrances to enforce the ban. This bill affects businesses, venues, and permit holders in Tennessee, taking effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 661 changes the deadline for Tennessee's fiscal committee to report annual inflation data used to adjust criminal fines from January 15 to February 15 each year. The committee must calculate how fines should increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect inflation. This affects all criminal offense classifications under Tennessee's criminal codes (Titles 16, 36-40, 49, 55, 65). The bill requires updating minimum and maximum fines every five years to match cost-of-living changes.

Maddy summarySB 2379, the "Reckless Bullet Prevention Act," makes it a Class A misdemeanor to recklessly fire a gun into the air, ground, water, or nearby objects where people might be present. It directly affects individuals who discharge firearms in public or crowded areas, with specific exceptions for law enforcement, military personnel, hunters, and self-defense situations. The bill requires all state-approved handgun safety courses to include instruction on this offense starting July 1, 2026. It does not apply to activities like hunting during open seasons, shooting at licensed ranges, or defensive use against animal attacks.