Tennessee Senate Bill SB7083

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/21/23

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SB7083 would significantly change the legal landscape surrounding firearm thefts in Tennessee. The bill ensures that lawful gun owners will not face lawsuits for damages arising from the theft of their firearms if they have complied with the storage requirements specified in the bill. By encouraging responsible firearm storage, the bill could potentially reduce instances of firearms falling into the hands of criminals and thereby enhance public safety. However, it also raises questions about the implications for victims of firearm theft who may have previously had the ability to seek recourse against gun owners for lapses in securing their weapons.

Summary

Senate Bill 7083 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the handling of firearms stored in motor vehicles. The bill introduces a provision that protects individuals from civil liability if their properly stored firearm in their vehicle is stolen, provided that the individual does not engage in criminal activity involving that firearm or does not intentionally worsen the situation resulting in damages or injuries. This amendment provides a level of legal protection to gun owners in situations where their firearms are stolen from their vehicles.

Contention

Notably, there are points of contention surrounding SB7083 regarding the balance between individual rights and public safety. Critics may argue that this bill could lead to a lax attitude among gun owners concerning the secure storage of firearms, ultimately putting the community at risk if more guns are stolen and subsequently misused. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about whether this legal immunity could inadvertently encourage negligence in firearm storage. The discussion within the legislative assembly may feature debates on personal responsibility amid the broader narrative of gun rights and public safety.