Last week, the Tennessee Legislature saw the introduction of numerous NRA-supported pro-gun bills that seek to enhance the Second Amendment and protect gun owners in Tennessee:
Senate Bill 1058/ House Bill 994, sponsored by state Senator Mark Green (R-22) and state Representative Curry Todd (R-95) respectively, would create a cause of action against an employer for discharge or adverse employment action based solely on transportation or storage of a firearm or firearm ammunition in an employer parking lot.
Senate Bill 1171/ House Bill 995, sponsored by state Senator John Stevens (R-24) and state Representative Mike Harrison (R-09) respectively, would allow a person with a handgun carry permit to carry a firearm in any state, county, or municipal park or other recreation area and would remove provisions allowing local governments to prohibit carrying in parks by resolution or ordinance.
Senate Bill 1103/ House Bill 1046, sponsored by state Senator Doug Overbey (R-02) and state Representative William Lamberth (R-44) respectively, would establish certain procedures regarding the disposition of confiscated or abandoned firearms in state or local custody, including the sale and destruction of such firearms.
Senate Bill 1215/ House Bill 1255, sponsored by state Senator Jack Johnson (R-23) and state Representative Charles Sargent (R-61) respectively, would require the chief law enforcement officer of a jurisdiction to certify the transfer or making of a firearm, as required by the National Firearms Act, within 15 days if the person is not prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm by law; permits an applicant to appeal a denial to the circuit court.
Senate Bill 1239/ House Bill 1112, sponsored by state Senator Mike bell (R-09) and state Representative Jeremy Faison (R-11) respectively, would add certain requirements regarding handgun carry permit applications, including requiring an alien or admission number from a non-citizen applicant; allows a gun dealer to sell a firearm to a handgun carry permit holder without conducting a background check or entering the TBI unique approval number on the transaction record.
Further pro-gun legislation that was introduced includes:
Senate Bill 312/ House Bill 206, sponsored by Senator Green (R-22) and state Representative Courtney Rogers (R-45) respectively, would add certain exceptions to the definitions of "explosive weapon" and "restricted firearm ammunition" to permit possession or use of blank ammunition and certain practice rounds and create a new affirmative defense to prosecution of prohibited weapons if possessed in accordance with certain federal laws or regulated by the ATF.
Senate Bill 381 / House Bill 899, sponsored by state Senator Bill Ketron (R-13) and state Representative Kevin Brooks (R-24) respectively,would remove the tax exemption for certain machinery used for the manufacture of firearms. This tax exemption applies to machinery that is primarily used in the manufacturing of smart-gun technology.
House Bill 481/ Senate Bill 70, sponsored by state Representative Judd Matheny (R-47) and state Senator Brian Kelsey (R-31) respectively, would clarify that it is not an offense for a person to transport and properly store a firearm in a motor vehicle parked on school property.
Senate Bill 780/ House Bill 535, sponsored by state Senator Mae Beavers (R-17) and state Representative Rick Womick (R-34) respectively, would permit a person who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm to possess a firearm, openly or concealed, regardless of whether the person has a handgun permit.
House Bill 683/ Senate Bill 633, sponsored by state Representative James Van Huss (R-06) and state Senator Paul Bailey (R-15) respectively, would prohibit schools from requiring students or parents to provide information on firearm ownership; prohibits local education agencies from requiring employees to provide information on firearm ownership; prohibit adverse disciplinary or employment action based on information of firearm ownership that is voluntarily provided.
Senate Bill 700/ House Bill 745, sponsored by state Senator Frank S. Niceley (R-08) and state Representative John B. Holsclaw, Jr. (R-04) respectively, would create a lifetime handgun carry permit which entitles the permit holder to carry any handgun that the permit holder legally owns or possesses without expiration; sets the application fee for a lifetime handgun carry permit at $500.
House Bill 1059/ Senate Bill 778, sponsored by Representative Van Huss (R-06) and state Senator Mae Beavers (R-17) respectively, would create a Second Amendment tax-free weekend for sales of firearms, firearms ammunition, and firearms accessories made during the same time as the annual sales tax holiday.
House Bill 1304/ Senate Bill 886, sponsored by state Representative Mary Littleton (R-78) and state Senator Brian Kelsey (R-31) respectively, would establish certain procedures for the petitioning of a court for relief from firearms disabilities established for a prior judicial commitment or adjudication order for mental illness.
Senate Bill 1110/ House Bill 1341, sponsored by state Senator Richard Briggs (R-07) and state Representative Terri Lynn Weaver (R-40) respectively, would prohibit the use of any public funds, personnel, or property to enforce any federal law or regulation that regulates the ownership, use, or possession of firearms, ammunition, or firearms accessories.
Your NRA-ILA will continue to keep you updated when more information is available.
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