Tennessee Senate Bill SB1569

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/12/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 54; Section 36-3-625; Section 38-3-119; Title 39 and Section 40-14-109, relative to restricting certain types of firearms.

Impact

If enacted, SB1569 would introduce new legal definitions of assault weapons and clarify what constitutes an offense in relation to purchasing or selling these firearms. Specifically, the bill makes it a Class A misdemeanor for individuals to purchase or sell assault weapons, contributing to a broader legislative framework aimed at firearm regulation in Tennessee. This impact suggests a significant shift in how certain classes of firearms are treated under state law, potentially influencing both law enforcement practices and personal firearm ownership.

Summary

Senate Bill 1569 proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated aimed at restricting certain types of firearms, specifically 'assault weapons.' The bill defines assault weapons in detail, outlining specific features that categorize firearms as such, including semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines and various ergonomic features. The intention behind this bill is to regulate the availability and sale of firearms that are often associated with higher incidences of gun violence.

Contention

The discussions surrounding SB1569 are likely to evoke various opinions among stakeholders, particularly between advocates for gun control and those supporting Second Amendment rights. Proponents of the bill argue that such measures are essential for improving public safety and reducing gun violence, particularly in urban areas where such firearms are more prevalent. However, opponents may assert that the bill infringes upon individual rights to bear arms and could lead to overreach in government regulation, sparking debates about personal freedoms versus community safety.