Tennessee Senate Bill SB1693

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Failed: 4/2/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 38; Title 39; Title 47 and Title 68, relative to gun violence.

Impact

The enforcement of SB1693 will create a structured approach to tackle gun violence within Tennessee by centralizing efforts through the newly established office. This office will also coordinate with federal, state, and local governments to receive funding and resources for its initiatives. By requiring annual reports to the governor on trends and recommendations related to gun violence, the bill aims to influence future legislation and policies that can help mitigate the risks and occurrences of gun-related incidents in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 1693 aims to amend various titles of the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding gun violence. It establishes an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Department of Safety, which will be tasked with developing a comprehensive strategy to address gun violence in the state. The bill defines gun violence broadly to include homicide, violent crime, domestic violence, attempted suicide, suicide, and unintentional death or injury involving a firearm. This initiative is focused on enhancing data collection and research on gun violence to better inform prevention strategies.

Sentiment

The sentiments surrounding SB1693 appear to be mixed among legislators and the public. Advocates for gun violence prevention have lauded the bill as a necessary step towards improving public safety and addressing the pressing issue of gun violence in Tennessee. However, there may also be significant opposition from groups concerned about the implications of increased regulation and government involvement in firearm ownership issues, highlighting a classic tension between public safety initiatives and Second Amendment rights.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to SB1693 include the potential pushback from gun rights advocates who argue that any government efforts in regulating firearms must be carefully scrutinized to prevent overreach. Concerns might also arise around the effectiveness of the proposed strategies and whether the establishment of the office will lead to substantial changes in the landscape of gun violence, or if it may simply serve as a bureaucratic mechanism without tangible results.