Tennessee Senate Bill SB2438

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, relative to firearm ammunition.

Impact

If enacted, SB2438 will significantly alter the operational procedures for firearms retailers across Tennessee. By mandating restricted access to ammunition, retailers will need to ensure compliance, which may involve structural changes to their stores or implementing stricter inventory management practices. The legislation not only aims to improve community safety but also to better align retail practices with national standards governing the sale of firearms and their accessories.

Summary

Senate Bill 2438 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated by introducing new regulations regarding the sale and storage of firearm ammunition. Designed to enhance public safety, the bill stipulates that retailers must maintain ammunition in areas that are not accessible to customers within a retail establishment. This measure is viewed as a means to prevent unauthorized access to ammunition, particularly by minors or individuals who may misuse it.

Contention

Notably, the bill could lead to contention among stakeholders, particularly gun advocacy groups who may argue that such regulations infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens and impose undue burdens on businesses. Critics of similar measures often assert that restrictions do not effectively address the root causes of gun violence and could result in economic impacts for small businesses in the firearms sector. The bill's supporters, however, maintain that these changes are necessary for minimizing risks associated with easy access to ammunition.