There have been several very aggressive bills that have been submitted in the TN House and senate to expand and protect the right to own guns and the right to self-defense. Some were killed on March 7th.
Bills discussed by the TN Senate on March 7th:
SB0816 aimed to allow the concealed carrying of guns in places like schools and parks. It had one Republican sponsor. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted against it 6 to 2 on March 7th.
SB0827 aimed to modify a large number of gun laws and would also ban registries of firearm owners. It had one Republican sponsor. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted against it 5 to 3 on March 7th.
Bills discussed by the TN House on March 7th:
HB0120 aims to allow individuals to carry any firearm, not just handguns. The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee discussed it on March 7th. It was placed on the agenda to be discussed again on March 14th.
HB0510 would legalize using deadly force to protect property under certain circumstances. It is largely aimed at preventing the looting or arson of businesses. The bill was first filed on November 2020 in the wake of murderous nationwide BLM rioting. It was re-introduced in the 2023 session and had five Republican sponsors. The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee discussed the bill on March 7th. It was removed from the agenda and effectively killed for this year.
Bill discussed by the TN House on March 8th:
HB1005 aims to expand the state’s concealed carry law. Eight Republicans are sponsoring it, and it passed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee during a hearing on February 21st. It was discussed by the full House Civil Justice Committee today. It was placed on the schedule to be discussed again on March 15th.
Other:
HB0041 aims to allow school districts to deputize certain employees to carry guns. It has one Republican sponsor. The bill is assigned to the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. No action has been taken.
