Tennessee Senate Bill SB1830

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24
• Failed: 4/1/24

Caption

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

Impact

The bill is designed to take effect on January 1, 2025, with the pilot program running until January 1, 2028. During this period, the Department of Safety will analyze data concerning gun violence incidents in the designated counties to evaluate the efficacy of the program. The findings will be reported to the legislative committees responsible for criminal justice and judiciary matters. This legislative change also reflects a trend towards promoting personal firearm ownership, potentially altering the landscape of gun rights and regulations within Tennessee.

Summary

Senate Bill 1830 is a legislative proposal that amends the Tennessee Code regarding firearms, particularly focusing on handgun carry permits. The bill specifies conditions under which individuals may carry a handgun, particularly in counties with populations exceeding 900,000, as per the latest federal census. It introduces a pilot program aimed at encouraging residents in these populous counties to obtain enhanced handgun carry permits or concealed carry permits. This program will waive application and processing fees for eligible applicants, thus incentivizing lawful handgun ownership and carrying.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB1830 might center on its implications for public safety and local governance. Proponents argue that reducing costs for acquiring carry permits and promoting lawful gun ownership enhances individual freedoms and rights. Conversely, critics could question whether such measures contribute to increased gun violence or undermine community safety, particularly in densely populated areas. The sunset provision of the pilot program provides a basis for evaluating its success or failure, which could be a point of contention in future discussions.