AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 13, relative to the offense of reckless endangerment.
The introduction of this bill is poised to enhance firearm safety standards across Tennessee. Specifically, it identifies a failure to appropriately secure firearms as a serious offense, with resultant penalties categorized as Class E or Class C felonies based on the outcome of a child's access to the weapon. This change aims to incentivize gun owners to take greater care in securing their firearms, potentially reducing accidental shootings involving children.
House Bill 167, also known as 'MaKayla's Law', seeks to amend the Tennessee Code regarding reckless endangerment involving firearms. The bill aims to impose stricter penalties on individuals who fail to securely store firearms and ammunition, particularly in contexts where a child under the age of 13 gains access to a gun. If a child obtains possession of the firearm and it results in bodily injury or death, the penalties escalate significantly, reflecting the law's focus on child safety and gun storage.
While the bill seeks to improve safety, it may face opposition concerning the implications for responsible gun ownership. Some may argue that the bill places undue burden on gun owners to prevent accidents, particularly in households where children are present. Critics could express concerns about the criminalization of an oversight, with fears that such legislation might inadvertently penalize responsible gun owners who may experience a lapse in secure storage. Therefore, it remains crucial for the discussion surrounding this bill to balance child safety with the rights of firearm owners in Tennessee.