Tennessee House Bill HB2218

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/24
• Refer: 1/31/24

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB2218 would serve to concretize the obligations of larger municipalities regarding the safe storage of firearms. By specifying conditions based on population metrics, the legislation distinguishes between varying local needs and potential gun safety issues. This could lead to a more structured regulation of firearms in densely populated areas compared to less populated ones, potentially influencing local law enforcement policies on how firearms are managed in urban settings.

Summary

House Bill 2218 proposes amendments to Tennessee Code Annotated specifically focusing on firearm regulations. The bill introduces new provisions concerning the storage of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, particularly targeting municipalities of a certain size. Additionally, it stipulates that the regulations would apply to municipalities with a population of at least 181,000 and located in a county with a population of no less than 366,200, based on the 2020 census. The bill aims to clarify provisions of firearms law as it relates to urban environments within Tennessee.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB2218 may center on the balance between public safety and the rights of firearm owners. Supporters of the bill could argue that enhanced storage regulations in populous areas could prevent accidents and unauthorized access to firearms, thus improving overall community safety. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the potential for such regulations to infringe upon individual gun ownership rights and question the efficacy of government-imposed storage standards, contending that they could create undue burdens on law-abiding citizens.

Notable_points

Notably, the bill's specifications are tied directly to census data, indicating a reliance on demographic statistics as a basis for regulation. This raises questions about the adaptability of such laws in the face of population changes, as well as the possible exclusion of smaller municipalities from similar regulations which might also face unique challenges regarding firearm safety. The effective date of the law, set for July 1, 2024, provides a timeline for municipalities to prepare for compliance, influence discussions, and possibly spur further legislative action or debate in the interim.