Safe gun storage back up for debate in TN with multiple bills filed
The ongoing issue of firearm thefts and the illegal circulation of guns has prompted Democratic lawmakers in the Tennessee legislature to reintroduce bills addressing the safe storage of firearms in vehicles. With cities like Nashville reporting a significant increase in stolen firearms, reaching 1,203 guns by the end of 2023, concerns about the accessibility of weapons to criminals, including juveniles, have escalated.
Auto thefts in Nashville rose by nearly 74% last year, with a notable correlation between stolen vehicles and homicides. Police authorities have stressed the urgent need for firearm owners to secure their weapons properly, as stolen guns often change hands and are subsequently used in criminal activities, including drive-by shootings.
Several bills aimed at regulating the storage of firearms in vehicles have been introduced by Democratic lawmakers during the 113th General Assembly. The proposed legislation seeks to address the escalating issue of stolen firearms and the subsequent involvement of these weapons in criminal activities.
One bill, previously filed by Rep. Caleb Hemmer (D-Davidson County) during the last session, aimed to make it a misdemeanor for gun owners to improperly store firearms or ammunition in vehicles or boats. Additionally, the legislation proposed mandatory reporting of the loss or theft of firearms within 24 hours. Violators would be required to complete a court-approved firearm safety course as an alternative to fines or jail time.
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Despite these efforts, the bill faced challenges and did not progress beyond the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, Rep. Hemmer and Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) plan to revive the legislation in the current session. Another similar bill filed by Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) seeks to make it a crime to improperly store a firearm or ammunition in a vehicle, proposing a fine of up to $500 for violators.
Furthermore, Hemmer and Yarbro are sponsoring a bill that would grant local governments the authority to regulate the storage of firearms in vehicles. The proposed legislation would apply to counties with populations greater than 98,800, based on the 2020 federal census. This move aims to empower local authorities in larger counties, including Shelby, Davidson, and Knox, to regulate firearm storage when the vehicle is unoccupied.
While these bills are part of a comprehensive effort to address firearm-related crimes, they are likely to face challenges in the predominantly Republican-controlled legislature. Republican lawmakers, in general, have been resistant to passing legislation perceived as restricting Second Amendment rights, emphasizing the need to focus on cracking down on criminals rather than imposing limitations on law-abiding citizens.
The debate over safe firearm storage in Tennessee reflects broader discussions around gun control and individual rights, highlighting the complex challenges legislators face in finding a balance between public safety and preserving constitutional freedoms. As gun-related bills are deliberated in the current session, the outcome will shape the state’s approach to mitigating firearm thefts and associated criminal activities.
