AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 38; Title 39; Title 47 and Title 68, relative to gun violence.
Impact
The legislation seeks to centralize efforts for gun violence prevention and data collection, potentially altering existing laws related to public safety and health. By establishing a systematic reporting process, the bill aims to inform future policy initiatives and contribute to reducing gun violence. The director of the Office is mandated to report annually on trends related to gun violence and provide recommendations for legislative action, indicating a structured approach to addressing this issue within state governance.
Summary
House Bill 2824 aims to address the growing concerns around gun violence in Tennessee by establishing an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Department of Safety. This new office will be responsible for collecting comprehensive data on gun violence, which includes categories such as homicide, violent crime, and domestic violence incidents involving firearms. The director of this office is tasked with developing strategies to tackle various forms of gun violence and to oversee initiatives aimed at preventing mass shootings.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB2824 may include debates over the effectiveness of the proposed data collection methods and whether they could lead to additional regulatory measures impacting gun ownership and use. Supporters argue that accurate data collection is paramount for formulating effective prevention strategies, while opponents may fear it could lay the groundwork for increased restrictions on legal firearm owners. Additionally, discussions regarding funding sources for the proposed office could arise, particularly concerning the implications of state versus federal funding solutions.