Tennessee Senate Bill SB7003

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/17/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13, relative to firearms in motor vehicles.

Impact

If passed, SB7003 would modify existing laws related to civil liability and gun ownership, specifically concerning firearms stored in vehicles. The new provision would reinforce the idea that gun owners can store their firearms in vehicles without the fear of financial repercussions arising from theft, so long as they adhered to storage requirements. This could potentially encourage more responsible gun ownership and compliance with state safety standards, as owners may feel more secure about leaving firearms in their vehicles when necessary.

Summary

Senate Bill 7003, introduced by Senator Haile, aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding firearms stored in motor vehicles. The bill stipulates that an individual will not be held liable in a civil lawsuit for damages or injuries resulting from the theft of a firearm or ammunition that was properly stored in their vehicle, provided that the individual did not engage in misconduct or wrongful solicitation that led to the incident. This amendment seeks to offer protection to gun owners whose firearms may be stolen but were stored in compliance with the law.

Contention

However, the bill may face opposition centered around concerns that it could inadvertently increase the number of firearms stolen from vehicles. Critics may argue that it diminishes the personal responsibility of gun owners in safeguarding their weapons, potentially leading to an uptick in gun violence or crime facilitated by stolen firearms. Proponents of the bill, on the other hand, assert that it protects responsible owners and clarifies legal expectations to avoid unjust civil actions following thefts that are beyond their control.