Criminal Justice (Firearms)

failed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 903: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, requires, subject to certain exemptions, that a sale or transfer of a firearm be done through a federally licensed gun dealer; creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for sales or transfers that are not conducted through a gun dealer. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 54; Title 38, Chapter 3, Part 1 and Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

This bill would require most firearm sales and transfers in Tennessee to be conducted through a federally licensed gun dealer, with specific exceptions for private sales between family members, transfers to law enforcement, and sales of antique firearms. The law creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for individuals who sell or transfer firearms outside of these approved channels, punishable by fines up to $10,000 and up to nine months in jail. Additionally, anyone convicted of violating this provision would be prohibited from possessing firearms for two years. The bill would take effect on July 1, 2025, if it were to become law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement oversight by requiring licensed dealers for firearm sales, reducing illegal transfers and enhancing public safety through stricter regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 2514: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, deletes the offense of carrying a firearm or a club with the intent to go armed, prohibits the carrying of a firearm or weapon inside of a K-12 public or private school and on a school bus if the person's intent is to go armed and the school and the bus are posted in a certain manner; deletes the offense of carrying a firearm on the property of a university, college campus, and other public or private non-K-12 educational institutions or property; rewrites the offense of possessing a handgun while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance or controlled substance analogue; rewrites the offense of carrying weapons during judicial proceedings; makes various other changes related to firearms. - Amends TCA Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 55 and Title 65.

HB 2514 revises Tennessee's firearms laws by removing the offense of carrying a firearm "with intent to go armed" in K-12 schools, school buses, and university properties (when posted). It prohibits carrying firearms in K-12 schools/buses if the person intends to go armed, while eliminating similar restrictions for universities and colleges. The bill also rewrites rules around handgun possession while intoxicated, adds new definitions for "firearm" and "deadly force," and creates a legal presumption that threatening deadly force to defend property against unlawful entry is justified. It establishes immunity from prosecution for using justified force, including displaying weapons, unless the person knew the individual was a law enforcement officer or caused injury to an innocent bystander. These changes directly affect individuals carrying firearms in schools, campuses, or during property disputes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill deletes offense of carrying firearm 'with intent to go armed' on university properties, reducing criminalization. Aligns with reform goal of limiting over-criminalization.70% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2232: Criminal Procedure - As introduced, allows a misdemeanor offender to petition to have the offender's criminal history records sealed after completion of all requirements of sentencing and at least five years without being convicted of a new offense; excludes domestic assault and driving under the influence from eligibility to be sealed. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 2232 allows eligible misdemeanor offenders in Tennessee to petition a court to seal their criminal records after completing all sentencing requirements and waiting five years without a new conviction. It excludes domestic assault and driving under the influence offenses from eligibility and requires a $500 fee to cover administrative costs. Sealed records remain accessible for specific purposes like firearm background checks, law enforcement hiring, and health registry checks. The bill amends Tennessee Code Titles 39 and 40 and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables record sealing for eligible misdemeanors after 5 years, promoting rehabilitation and reducing barriers to reintegration, while excluding serious offenses like domestic assault.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 2380: Criminal Procedure - As introduced, allows a misdemeanor offender to petition to have the offender's criminal history records sealed after completion of all requirements of sentencing and at least five years without being convicted of a new offense; excludes domestic assault and driving under the influence from eligibility to be sealed. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 2380 allows individuals convicted of most misdemeanor offenses in Tennessee to petition a court to seal their criminal history records after completing all sentencing requirements (like paying fines or finishing probation) and going five years without a new conviction. This applies to offenses like theft or disorderly conduct but excludes domestic assault and driving under the influence (DUI). To seal records, petitioners must pay a $500 fee, and sealed records remain accessible for firearm background checks, health department registries for vulnerable adult abuse, and law enforcement officer qualifications. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and if a person with sealed records is convicted of a new offense (other than minor traffic), the seal is lifted.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables record sealing for non-violent misdemeanor offenders after 5 years, reducing barriers to employment/housing and promoting rehabilitation - key criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 2346: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, enacts the "Fair Background Check and Due Process Act." - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 47; Title 50; Title 62; Title 66 and Title 71.

HB 2346, the "Fair Background Check and Due Process Act," prevents consumer reporting agencies from sharing unproven criminal charges (like arrests or pending cases without a conviction) with employers, landlords, or licensing agencies. It allows reporting only for convictions or specific "excluded offenses" (such as theft, fraud, or violent crimes directly related to job safety). The bill directly affects job seekers, renters, and license applicants who face denials based on unproven allegations. It does not stop employers from asking job-related questions or conducting required background checks. The bill is currently pending in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents use of unproven charges in background checks, reducing discrimination and aiding reentry - key criminal justice reform95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPrevents employers from using unproven criminal charges in hiring, protecting job seekers from discrimination based on arrests without convictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 2628: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, enacts the "Fair Background Check and Due Process Act." - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 47; Title 50; Title 62; Title 66 and Title 71.

SB 2628, the "Fair Background Check and Due Process Act," prevents background check companies from reporting unproven criminal charges (like pending cases, dismissals, or non-convictions) to employers, landlords, or licensing agencies, except for specific serious offenses like theft, fraud, or violent crimes. It directly affects job applicants, renters, and license seekers who have arrest records without convictions. The bill requires background checks to only include convictions or excluded offenses, while allowing employers to ask about job-related conduct and conduct required licensing checks. This changes how background checks are conducted for employment, housing, and licensing in Tennessee.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents reporting of unproven charges in background checks, protecting individuals from discrimination based on non-convictions and advancing due process in criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrevents landlords from using unproven criminal charges in rental decisions, directly protecting tenants from housing discrimination based on non-convictions.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentPrevents employers from using unproven criminal charges in hiring, protecting job applicants with arrest records but no convictions. Directly advances workers' rights in employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 1629: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, deletes the criminal offenses of carrying a firearm or club with intent to go armed and carrying a weapon in a public park with the intent to go armed; prohibits a juvenile from carrying a firearm with intent to go armed except in certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 49; Title 50 and Title 55.

SB 1629 removes criminal penalties for carrying a firearm with intent to go armed in public places, including public parks, by deleting related offenses in Tennessee law. It updates definitions to use "firearm" instead of "handgun" in multiple sections and creates specific exceptions allowing juveniles to carry firearms under limited circumstances, such as protecting livestock or transporting unloaded firearms in vehicles with safety measures. The bill also clarifies that schools may restrict firearm access in certain areas while permitting authorized individuals to carry firearms in state parks and recreational areas. This legislation directly affects the general public, juveniles, and educational institutions by modifying firearm possession rules and penalties. The changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves criminal penalties for firearm carrying in public, reducing unnecessary criminalization per criminal justice reform principles.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 1737: 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.

HB 1737 modifies Tennessee's firearm laws by removing specific criminal penalties related to firearm possession. It eliminates offenses for individuals convicted of stalking or DUI in certain circumstances (previously barred from carrying firearms), as well as for people under 25 who were adjudicated delinquent for certain juvenile offenses. The bill also removes the criminal prohibition against possessing or carrying weapons in public parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas. These changes amend multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated, including Title 39 (criminal procedure), Title 16 (criminal justice), and others, to update firearm possession restrictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes criminal penalties for specific firearm offenses, reducing unnecessary criminalization and aligning with criminal justice reform goals by expanding rights for certain individuals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 1747: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, 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 of public gathering or at a public event where there are at least 25 people in attendance at the time of the discharge; punishes the offense as a Class A misdemeanor; specifies certain exceptions to the offense. - Amends TCA Title 39.

SB 1747 creates a new Class A misdemeanor offense for recklessly firing a firearm into the air, ground, water, or nearby objects at public events with 25 or more people present. It directly affects individuals who engage in such reckless discharges in crowded public settings, such as concerts or festivals. Key exceptions include law enforcement officers acting in duty, wildlife officers, licensed hunters during open seasons, and defensive use against animal attacks. The law, effective July 1, 2026, aims to address public safety risks from negligent firearm discharge in crowded areas.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates new Class A misdemeanor offense for reckless firearm discharge at public gatherings (25+ people), enhancing public safety measures within criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

signed · Tennessee · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 1864: Private Protective Services - As enacted, adds stalking to the crimes for which an individual who has been convicted must have completed serving the individual's sentence or court-ordered probation at least five years prior to applying for a registration card to perform the duties of a security guard or officer; makes other changes related to security guards and officers. - Amends TCA Title 62, Chapter 35.

SB 1864 modifies Tennessee's security guard licensing rules by adding stalking to the list of crimes requiring a five-year waiting period after completing a sentence or probation before an applicant can register. It also disqualifies applicants from security guard registration if they are listed on a state or out-of-state abuse registry or have firearm prohibitions (like orders of protection). The bill updates requirements for security guards to report arrests or convictions related to specified offenses within 10 days. These changes directly affect individuals seeking security guard licenses who have certain criminal histories.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds stalking to disqualifying crimes for security guards, requiring 5-year waiting period to enhance public safety and restrict access for individuals with certain criminal histories.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms