Tennessee House Bill HB0596

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Refer: 2/5/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3; Section 10-7-504 and Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13, relative to the "Tennessee Voluntary Do Not Sell Firearms Act."

Impact

If enacted, HB0596 would have significant implications for gun ownership laws in Tennessee. It adds a mechanism for individuals to voluntarily limit their own access to firearms, aiming to potentially reduce incidents of firearm misuse or self-harm among individuals who recognize their need for intervention. However, it raises questions about the effectiveness of such self-imposed restrictions and their enforcement. The bill also emphasizes the importance of confidentiality regarding the records generated by the waiver process, which will not be open to public scrutiny except under specific circumstances, thereby aiming to protect the privacy of individuals who choose to participate.

Summary

House Bill 0596, known as the 'Tennessee Voluntary Do Not Sell Firearms Act,' seeks to amend existing Tennessee legislation to allow individuals to voluntarily waive their rights to possess or receive firearms. The bill establishes a formal process where residents can file a waiver form with the circuit court in their county, thereby effectively entering themselves into a state-controlled system that restricts their access to firearms. This waiver is shared with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), which ensures it is entered into national background check systems within a specified timeframe. The legislation also includes provisions for revoking this waiver after a waiting period, allowing individuals to regain their firearm rights under certain conditions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB0596 is mixed, reflecting broader national conversations about gun control and individual rights. Proponents argue that it empowers individuals to take responsibility for their own safety and wellbeing by seeking help before crises arise. Critics, however, express concern about the potential stigmatization of those who choose to file waivers, suggesting that it may lead to unintended consequences such as reduced access to firearms for responsible gun owners. The bill sits at the intersection of public safety and personal freedom, drawing passionate responses from both sides of the debate.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions around the potential for misuse of the waiver system, concerns that it might dissuade individuals from seeking help due to fears of losing their firearm rights, and debates over the effectiveness of voluntary measures in addressing broader issues of gun violence. Additionally, law enforcement's access to voluntary waiver records, under strict confidentiality provisions, raises questions about the balance between public safety and individual rights. Overall, the bill attempts to carve out a middle ground in the ongoing debate over gun control in Tennessee.