Tennessee Senate Bill SB0172

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Engrossed: 3/16/23
• Enrolled: 3/24/23
• Passed: 4/13/23
• Chaptered: 4/27/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17 and Title 49, relative to the possession of weapons on school property.

Impact

The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, impacting the legal framework around weapons possession in educational institutions. The inclusion of pocket knives as permissible items for nonstudents during voting is a significant shift in the state's approach to school property regulations. The law also specifies that individuals can only possess these knives if they are concealed and not actively handled. Failure to comply will still be classified as a Class E felony, maintaining a level of accountability while relaxing restrictions for specific circumstances.

Summary

Senate Bill 172 amends Tennessee law concerning the possession of weapons on school property. Specifically, the bill allows nonstudent adults to carry a concealed pocket knife when they are on school grounds for the sole purpose of voting in an election, under specific conditions. This legislative change aims to ensure that individuals exercising their right to vote are not penalized for carrying a common tool, which has sparked extensive discussion among lawmakers and constituents alike.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 172 appears mixed among legislators and the public. Supporters argue that this adjustment promotes civic engagement by making it easier for adults to participate in elections without fear of legal repercussions for possessing a common object. Critics, however, express concern that even minor relaxations of rules around weapons in schools could undermine safety and set a precedent for further loosening of regulations regarding weapons on school grounds.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between ensuring voter access and maintaining school safety. Opponents argue that even allowing pocket knives could distract from the primary focus of school safety protocols. The bill's passage reflects a broader conversation in Tennessee about the rights of voters in relation to regulations that govern school environments, indicating ongoing discussions about the proper role of laws that regulate personal conduct in secure locations.