21′ SB0318/HB0018 – Hensley/Griffey
Bill Description
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-1307, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection: (g)
(1) It is an exception to the application of subdivision (a) if a person: (A) Is legally in possession of the firearm; and
(B) Is not prohibited from purchasing a firearm in the person's
state of residence.
(2) A person who meets the elements of subdivision (g)(1) is entitled to the same defenses and exceptions as a person who has been issued a handgun carry permit pursuant to § 39-17-1351, for purposes of any offenses in this part; title 50, chapter 3; or title 70.
SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-1308(a), is amended by deleting the language "It is a defense to the application" and substituting the language "It is an exception to the application".
SECTION 3. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-1308(a)(10), is amended by deleting the word "defense" and substituting the word "exception".
SECTION 4. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-1308(b), is amended by deleting the word "defenses" and substituting the word "exceptions".
SECTION 5. This act takes effect July 1, 2021, the public welfare requiring it.
TLRC Position
TLRC is strongly in support of this Second Amendment validation.
TLRC Observed Process
The bill passed committee on a partisan basis but went behind the budget (it was going to cost money that was not allocated in the budget) so was taken off notice. The senate never took it up.
We would like to see it come back next year and be included in the budget.
Vote Result: Committee Only
