Tennessee House Bill HB7110

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/21/23
• Refer: 8/24/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33 and Title 68, relative to mental health.

Impact

By requiring the development of this campaign, HB7110 emphasizes the need for education surrounding mental health and its intersection with gun safety. The campaign will be designed to run from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025, during which time educational materials will be made available for free online. This could potentially lead to a greater understanding of mental health challenges faced by the residents of Tennessee and how they relate to responsible gun ownership.

Summary

House Bill 7110 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting laws related to mental health and gun storage. The bill mandates the state's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to develop a public awareness campaign that focuses on promoting safe gun storage by increasing awareness of mental health conditions. This initiative seeks not only to inform the public about mental health resources available but also to address the implications of gun ownership in the context of mental health issues.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly relating to the balance of public safety and personal rights regarding gun ownership. Some legislators and advocacy groups might argue that while promoting mental health awareness is essential, the bill could inadvertently imply that gun owners are likely to have mental health issues, which could stigmatize individuals seeking treatment. Furthermore, the effectiveness of such awareness campaigns in actually changing behaviors related to gun storage may also be debated among stakeholders.