Tennessee Senate Bill SB2959

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 38 and Title 39, Chapter 17, relative to extreme risk protection orders.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would provide a legal framework for addressing situations where individuals may pose imminent risks due to firearms. The new rules would likely result in additional oversight regarding the distribution of firearms in the state, aiming to enhance public safety while facilitating the necessary legal recourse for concerned parties. The bill also mandates a public awareness campaign to educate citizens about these protections, placing Tennessee at the forefront of proactive gun violence prevention initiatives.

Summary

Senate Bill 2959, also known as the 'Silencing Gun Violence Act', seeks to amend Tennessee's legislation regarding extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs). This act allows for individuals, including law enforcement and relatives, to petition for temporary or final orders that can restrict access to firearms for individuals deemed a significant danger to themselves or others. It sets forth definitions, procedures for filing petitions, requirements for court hearings, and stipulations regarding the surrender of firearms and ammunition, emphasizing expedited responses to potential threats.

Contention

The proposal around SB2959 has sparked debates, particularly regarding the balance of gun rights and public safety. Supporters argue that the act is a vital step towards preventing mass shootings and protecting vulnerable populations from gun violence. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about potential misuse of the law, asserting that it may infringe on Second Amendment rights and could be weaponized against individuals without due process. The discussions surrounding the bill highlight the ongoing national conversation about gun control measures and their implications on personal freedoms.