Tennessee Senate Bill SB0645

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 6; Title 29; Title 39 and Title 47, relative to qualified civil liability actions.

Impact

SB0645 has the potential to significantly alter civil liability laws related to firearms and ammunition within Tennessee. It establishes a framework that aims to protect manufacturers and sellers from civil lawsuits related to the misuse of their products, unless they are found to be negligent or at fault in specific, outlined ways. This could reduce the number of lawsuits filed against these entities, thereby impacting their operational risks and insurance costs. By creating stricter conditions for civil liability, the bill reflects a pro-business stance intended to encourage the availability of firearms and ammunition while aiming to reduce unmerited lawsuits.

Summary

Senate Bill 645 (SB0645) seeks to amend various titles of the Tennessee Code regarding qualified civil liability actions, primarily targeting the handling of firearms and ammunition. The bill lays out specific definitions for terms such as 'qualified product', which includes firearms and ammunition, and delineates the circumstances under which civil actions can be brought against manufacturers or sellers. Importantly, the bill intends to limit liability for dealers, manufacturers, or sellers unless certain criteria are met, notably if they were directly involved in the crime or if the product was sold in a defective condition.

Contention

The bill has sparked debate among various stakeholders regarding its implications for public safety and accountability. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to protect lawful businesses from frivolous lawsuits that can arise from the misuse of firearms. However, critics suggest that this may hinder the ability of consumers to seek justice for negligence or defective products, potentially leading to increased risks for public safety. The balance between promoting business interests and ensuring consumer protections forms a core point of contention around SB0645.