Tennessee House Bill HB2199

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/31/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-13-103, relative to the offense of reckless endangerment.

Impact

This bill represents a significant tightening of laws surrounding firearm ownership and responsibility, particularly in the context of preventing child access to firearms. By categorizing the failure to secure firearms as a criminal act, it reflects an acknowledgment of the risks associated with improperly stored firearms and targets the protection of minors explicitly. If passed, such measures may lead to increased public awareness of firearm safety and responsible ownership among adults, potentially reducing accidents involving firearms among children.

Summary

House Bill 2199, also known as 'MaKayla's Law', seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding reckless endangerment, particularly in relation to firearms. This bill introduces specific penalties for individuals who do not secure their firearms adequately to prevent minors from accessing them. It outlines two distinct degrees of offense based on the outcome of a child discharging a firearm that has been unsecured: a Class E felony for injuries and a Class C felony for fatalities. The legislation aims to enhance the safety of children by enforcing stricter controls on firearm possession and storage.

Contention

While proponents of HB2199 advocate for improved child safety and accountability for gun owners, the measures may also raise concerns regarding personal freedoms and the implications for responsible firearm owners. Critics might argue that the bill could impose unreasonable burdens on gun owners, particularly with regards to defining acceptable methods of firearm storage. Discussions surrounding this bill may highlight the broader debate on gun control, child safety measures, and the extent of legal obligations placed on firearm owners in Tennessee.