Tennessee Senate Bill SB7009

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/18/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39; Title 49 and Chapter 367 of the Public Acts of 2023, relative to school safety plans.

Impact

The law will particularly affect existing statutes related to gun ownership and safety regulations in educational settings. By emphasizing school safety plans and giving local education agencies the authority to enforce these regulations, the bill reinforces a governing structure that seeks to prioritize the security of students. The amendments make it clear that firearms cannot be stored in violation of these specific safety plans, thereby centralizing responsibility for firearm management on educational institutions and disallowing student access to firearms on school grounds.

Summary

Senate Bill 7009 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning school safety plans by introducing stricter regulations on firearms within school properties. This legislation is intended to enhance the safety of students and staff by prohibiting the possession, carrying, or storage of firearms and ammunition on school campuses by students. The requirement for each district-wide and building-level school safety plan to explicitly state this prohibition reflects a growing concern in educational environments regarding safety measures against potential threats.

Contention

As with many legislative proposals concerning gun regulations, SB7009 is likely to face debate regarding the balance between safety and individual rights. Some stakeholders may argue that the bill represents an essential step towards safeguarding schools, while opponents might criticize it as restrictive or an overreach that limits gun rights. The bill's successful passage will depend on addressing these concerns and finding common ground among differing views on gun ownership in the context of school safety.