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 · 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 · 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 · 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 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 · 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 · 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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