Tennessee House Bill HB2220

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.

Impact

The introduction of the 'Tennessee Do Not Sell List' aims to enhance public safety by offering a mechanism for individuals who do not wish to own firearms to officially communicate this. The law is designed to streamline the process of denying firearm sales while ensuring that registrations are appropriately handled and maintained in a confidential manner. This amendment aligns with broader efforts to create additional layers of gun control, responding to concerns regarding gun violence and the safety of communities across Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 2220 proposes to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13, by introducing a 'Tennessee Do Not Sell List.' This legislation will allow individuals in the United States to register their names on the list if they wish to prevent the sale of firearms to themselves. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is tasked with developing a secure internet-based platform for this registration by January 1, 2025, ensuring that users can reliably verify their identity while also keeping their information confidential. Once registered, individuals will be ineligible to receive firearms and their information will be used in conjunction with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Contention

While proponents view the bill as a step towards better gun safety and control, arguing it provides individuals with an important option for self-regulation regarding firearm acquisition, opponents may contend that it raises questions about potential misuse of personal data and the implications of creating a registry that could infringe upon individual rights. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the effectiveness of such lists in preventing gun violence compared to other potential measures. The balance between ensuring safety while preserving rights is a key point of discussion in relation to this bill.