Tennessee House Bill HB0723

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/21/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Chaptered: 4/18/23
• Passed: 4/18/23

Caption

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

Impact

The enactment of HB0723 would impact state laws concerning firearms by broadening the categories of individuals authorized to carry weapons on college campuses. This change supports the idea that qualified retired law enforcement officers can contribute to the safety of public educational institutions. The law aims to boost public confidence in campus safety measures and is aligned with the interests of those advocating for increased accessibility to firearms for self-defense purposes in educational settings.

Summary

House Bill 0723 aimed to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, focusing specifically on the regulation and inclusion criteria related to firearms and those permitted to carry them in public institutions of higher education. The bill expands the definition of 'employees' to include retired law enforcement officers who have served for a substantial period and retired in good standing, thereby allowing them to carry firearms on campus premises. This provision is intended to enhance security and ensure that experienced individuals are present in potentially vulnerable environments like education institutions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill reflects a division in public opinion. Proponents argue for the necessity of experienced law enforcement personnel being allowed to carry firearms to enhance public safety, claiming that the bill could prevent potential threats on college campuses. On the other hand, opponents express concerns regarding the implications of increased firearms presence in educational settings, fearing it could escalate violence or accidental discharges, thereby undermining campus safety rather than enhancing it.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB0723 center around second amendment rights versus the need for safe educational environments. Critics of the bill argue that allowing more individuals to carry firearms on campuses does not necessarily correlate with improved safety and could lead to unintended consequences such as mismanagement of firearms or increased fear among students and faculty. The discussions around the bill have sparked broader debates on gun rights versus public safety regulations, highlighting the ongoing conflict between personal liberties and community well-being in legislative processes.