Tennessee Senate Bill SB1489

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/23

Caption

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

Impact

The change from thirty to forty-five days could have significant implications on the state's firearm laws and sales procedures. Proponents of the bill argue that this extended waiting period may help prevent spontaneous purchases that could lead to violent incidents. They believe that giving law enforcement more time to perform comprehensive background checks will result in safer communities. Additionally, advocates suggest that the amendment aligns with broader national trends towards increasing gun safety regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill 1489 is an act designed to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting regulations related to firearms. The bill proposes a change in the waiting period for firearm purchases, extending it from thirty days to forty-five days. This modification aims to increase the time period during which background checks and waiting periods are conducted, thereby enhancing the gun purchasing process within the state. The bill's enactment is positioned as a public safety measure to reduce the chances of firearms being acquired in haste or by individuals who may not be legally eligible to own them.

Contention

Nevertheless, SB1489 is not without its controversies. Opponents of the bill, including various gun rights organizations, claim that such regulations infringe upon individual rights and the Second Amendment. They argue that extending waiting times may not effectively prevent crime and could instead create an unnecessary burden for law-abiding citizens wishing to purchase firearms. Moreover, the opposition points out that actively enforcing existing laws would be a more effective approach to preventing gun violence rather than imposing new restrictions on purchasing timelines.