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.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 6, 2025
Last action Apr 14, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
24
Key actions
14
Committee
17
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action def. in Judiciary Committee to 4/15/2026
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Judiciary Committee for 4/14/2026
lower
Apr 1, 2026
Lower · Passed
Taken off notice for cal. in Judiciary Committee
lower
Apr 1, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Judiciary Committee for 4/7/2026
lower
Mar 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action def. in Judiciary Committee to 4/1/2026
lower
Mar 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Judiciary Committee for 4/1/2026
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Committee
Rec for pass if am by s/c ref. to Judiciary Committee
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on cal. Judiciary Committee for 3/23/2026
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action Def. in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee to 3/18/2026
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/18/2026
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action Def. in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee to 3/11/2026
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/11/2026
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/4/2026
lower
Mar 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Taken off notice for cal in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee of Judiciary Committee
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/26/2025
lower
Feb 11, 2025
Committee
Assigned to s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee
lower
Feb 10, 2025
Committee
P2C, ref. to Judiciary Committee
lower
Feb 6, 2025
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Michele Reneau
RRepublican
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