Criminal Justice (Firearms)

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 2467: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, repeals the criminal offenses of unlawfully carrying a firearm or club with the intent to go armed and carrying or possessing a weapon in or on public parks, playgrounds, civic centers, and other public recreational buildings and grounds; allows persons convicted of stalking or a misdemeanor domestic violence offense to possess a firearm after five years from the date of conviction. - Amends TCA Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65.

SB 2467 repeals Tennessee’s criminal penalties for carrying firearms in public parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas, and removes the prohibition on firearm possession for individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or stalking after five years from their conviction date. The bill updates state law to clarify that domestic violence convictions older than five years no longer disqualify someone from owning a firearm, provided their rights haven’t been restored through other means. It also modifies definitions to replace "handgun" with "firearm" in multiple sections and adds exceptions for juveniles possessing rifles/shotguns for specific activities like livestock protection. These changes directly affect people with past domestic violence or stalking convictions, park visitors, and firearm owners navigating state restrictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRepeals firearm restrictions for domestic violence offenders after 5 years, reducing victim protections and weakening gun control in criminal justice policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 2465: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, prohibits a juvenile adjudicated delinquent for conduct that, if committed by an adult, would constitute the offense of threatening to commit an act of mass violence from purchasing or possessing a firearm until the juvenile reaches 25; prohibits a person appropriately licensed by the federal government from selling a firearm to a person who is ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to any court order or under any law of this state; increases penalties for sexual exploitation of a minor offenses. - Amends TCA Title 37 and Title 39.

SB 2465 prohibits juveniles adjudicated delinquent for threatening mass violence (as defined in existing Tennessee law) from purchasing or possessing firearms until age 25. It also requires federally licensed firearm dealers to verify a buyer’s eligibility under state law or court orders before selling. The bill significantly increases penalties for sexual exploitation of minors by raising felony classifications based on the quantity of materials involved (e.g., 50+ images become a Class B felony, 100+ become Class A). These changes amend Tennessee Code Sections 37-1-190, 39-17-1307, 39-17-1316, 39-17-1351, 39-17-1352, and sections related to sexual exploitation offenses (39-17-1003 to 39-17-1005). The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for sexual exploitation offenses and restricts juvenile firearm access, aligning with tough-on-crime measures rather than reform.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2253: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, prohibits a juvenile adjudicated delinquent for conduct that, if committed by an adult, would constitute the offense of threatening to commit an act of mass violence from purchasing or possessing a firearm until the juvenile reaches 25; prohibits a person appropriately licensed by the federal government from selling a firearm to a person who is ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to any court order or under any law of this state; increases penalties for sexual exploitation of a minor offenses. - Amends TCA Title 37 and Title 39.

HB 2253 prohibits juveniles adjudicated delinquent for conduct that would be "threatening to commit an act of mass violence" if committed by an adult from purchasing or possessing firearms until age 25. It also requires federally licensed firearm sellers to verify buyers are not prohibited under court orders or state law. The bill increases penalties for sexual exploitation of minors by raising felony classifications: possession of 50+ images becomes a Class B felony (100+ is Class A), and distribution of 25+ images becomes a Class A felony. These changes amend Tennessee’s criminal code in Titles 37 and 39, effective July 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for sexual exploitation of minors by raising felony classifications, expanding criminalization under criminal justice framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 2379: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, enacts the "Reckless Bullet Prevention Act," which creates an offense of recklessly discharging a firearm into the air, ground, a body of water, or an object in close proximity to the person if the firearm is discharged at a place where other people are or may be present; punishes the offense as a Class A misdemeanor; specifies certain exceptions to the offense; requires handgun safety courses for enhanced handgun carry permits to instruct on the offense. - Amends TCA Title 39.

SB 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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill creates new offense for reckless firearm discharge, expanding criminalization (Class A misdemeanor), without reform elements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 2575: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, enacts the "Reckless Bullet Prevention Act," which creates an offense of recklessly discharging a firearm into the air, ground, a body of water, or an object in close proximity to the person if the firearm is discharged at a place where other people are or may be present; punishes the offense as a Class A misdemeanor; specifies certain exceptions to the offense; requires handgun safety courses for enhanced handgun carry permits to instruct on the offense. - Amends TCA Title 39.

HB 2575, known as the "Reckless Bullet Prevention Act," makes it a Class A misdemeanor to recklessly discharge a firearm into the air, ground, water, or nearby objects when people are present. It directly affects anyone who discharges a firearm carelessly in public or populated areas, with specific exceptions for law enforcement, military personnel, hunters, and self-defense scenarios. The bill requires all handgun safety courses to include instruction on this new offense starting July 1, 2026, and applies to actions occurring on or after that date. Key exceptions cover official duties, wildlife control, and defense against animal attacks.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new Class A misdemeanor offense for reckless firearm discharge in populated areas, expanding criminalization of public firearm use without reform focus.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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died · Tennessee · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 2064: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, repeals the criminal offenses of unlawfully carrying a firearm or club with the intent to go armed and carrying or possessing a weapon in or on public parks, playgrounds, civic centers, and other public recreational buildings and grounds; allows persons convicted of stalking or a misdemeanor domestic violence offense to possess a firearm after five years from the date of conviction. - Amends TCA Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65.

HB 2064 changes Tennessee's firearm laws by repealing criminal penalties for carrying a firearm in public parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas. It modifies restrictions for people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or stalking, allowing firearm possession after five years from conviction (unless rights remain restricted). The bill also removes bans on carrying firearms in public recreational spaces and updates misdemeanor penalties for carrying while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These changes directly affect individuals with certain past convictions and those who carry firearms in public recreational areas. The bill does not alter federal gun laws or create new restrictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill repeals criminal penalties for firearm carrying in public parks and relaxes firearm restrictions for domestic violence/stalking offenders after 5 years, weakening existing protections in criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 1662: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, increases from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony the available sentence for an aggravated criminal trespass if, while in commission of the trespass, the trespasser encounters the owner using or displaying a firearm in self-defense; upgrades trespass offenses to Class C felonies. - Amends TCA Section 39-11-611; Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 10 and Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 4.

HB 1662 upgrades certain trespass offenses to Class C felonies in Tennessee. Specifically, it increases penalties for "aggravated criminal trespass" when a trespasser encounters a property owner using or displaying a firearm in self-defense. The bill also expands the definition of aggravated trespass to include causing fear for others' safety, damaging barriers to enter property, or recklessly damaging property on-site. This change directly affects individuals committing trespass on private property, particularly in scenarios where owners defend themselves with firearms. The law would take effect July 1, 2026, applying to offenses occurring on or after that date.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeUpgrades trespass to Class C felony; increases penalties for encountering property owner with firearm in self-defense. Expands criminalization of trespass offenses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 1749: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, increases from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony the available sentence for an aggravated criminal trespass if, while in commission of the trespass, the trespasser encounters the owner using or displaying a firearm in self-defense; upgrades trespass offenses to Class C felonies. - Amends TCA Section 39-11-611; Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 10 and Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 4.

SB 1749 upgrades certain trespass offenses to Class C felonies in Tennessee. It specifically targets situations where a trespasser enters property without permission and encounters the owner using or displaying a firearm in self-defense - this scenario becomes a Class C felony. The bill also changes general criminal trespass to a Class C felony and adds new conditions for aggravated trespass, such as causing fear for others' safety or damaging property barriers. These changes apply to acts occurring on or after July 1, 2026, and directly affect individuals committing trespass under these specific circumstances.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeUpgrades trespass to Class C felony, increasing penalties for property entry with firearm encounter, expanding criminalization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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signed · Tennessee · House May 15, 2026

HB 1668: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, creates the offense for a person to knowingly travel, with intent to commit theft of another person's cash, from a commercial business; a financial institution; or an automated teller machine, on the same path or route as another person without substantial deviation from that path or route while in possession of two or more criminal instruments. - Amends TCA Title 39.

HB 1668 creates a new criminal offense in Tennessee for knowingly traveling with intent to steal cash from businesses or financial institutions while following another person's path without deviating and carrying two or more "criminal instruments" (tools designed for theft, like lockpicks). It directly affects individuals who plan cash thefts by mirroring others' routes while possessing multiple theft tools. Violations start as a Class A misdemeanor, but escalate to a Class D felony if the person also violates other theft laws (Chapter 13, Part 10) or a Class B felony if they violate firearm laws (Chapter 13, Part 4). The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for route-mirroring theft, expanding criminalization and increasing penalties from misdemeanor to felony.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 1962: Sentencing - As introduced, states that there is a rebuttable presumption that a defendant convicted of aggravated assault is not a favorable candidate for probation if the offense involved the use or display of a firearm during the commission of the offense. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 35.

HB 1962 creates a strong presumption against granting probation to defendants convicted of aggravated assault involving a firearm. Specifically, if a defendant used or displayed a firearm during the assault (as defined under Tennessee law), the court must assume they are not suitable for probation unless the defendant proves otherwise. This rule applies to all aggravated assault convictions under § 39-13-102 and takes effect July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of firearm-related aggravated assault by making probation significantly harder to obtain.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates rebuttable presumption against probation for firearm-assisted aggravated assault, restricting defendant rights and increasing sentencing severity per criminal justice indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Sentencing Violent Crime

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