MrGreenMachine
Member
I get updates from TFA (Tennessee Firearms Association) all the time about the various goings on here in this great state. Thought I would pass this on to my fellow Tennesseeans and also so that other can see what goes on here. Most folks seem to think TN is great when it comes to firearms laws, while this is mostly true there's plenty for us to do politically speaking. If you're not a member of TFA or receive their legislative updates I strongly recommend you sign up at their site http://www.tennesseefirearms.com/
John Harris and company do a great job of informing the rest of us in the state about what's going on in the capitol and who's up to what.
Now from their latest legislative update:
Tennessee Firearms Association Legislative Action Committee
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Note: The Senate open bill period expired last Thursday. Each Senator can introduce a maximum of 9 bills between after last Thursday and this Thursday's final cutoff. This should be a relatively complete list of the bills with links to PDF files containing the bill texts.
Please also note that the filters I am running to select these bills are designed to select legislation involving firearms, range protection, self defense, hunting and ATV/OHV use which are topic areas that overlap the interests of individuals who subscribe to this free list.
I encourage you to forward this list to your friends. However, please encourage them to subscribe to the list themselves from the TFA site. If for some reason you change your email address or drop off the list, your friends may still want to receive copies.
Finally, I will be working up position statements on each bill. I would appreciate specific comments on each bill to consider as that process is underway. I do already recognize that there are a number of bills, from both parties, that need to be on the "do not pass" list.
SB 0814
(Full Text) State Summary: Criminal Offenses - Increases penalty from Class C to Class B misdemeanor for trespassing on property with an ATV; second and subsequent offenses are punishable by mandatory $250 fine. - Amends TCA Section 70-9-107. (S: Williams)
SB 1065
HB 0862
(Full Text) State Summary: Criminal Procedure - Confers civil immunity upon a person who uses force in justifiable self defense or defense of others and expands circumstances under which use of force is justified. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 11, Part 6. (S: Tracy; H: Johnson C)
SB 1076
HB 0860
(Full Text) State Summary: Motor Vehicles - Deletes authority for state agencies to permit additional use of off-highway vehicles in TWRA wildlife management areas or refuges, state forests, state parks, and state natural areas by promulgating rules and regulations. - Amends TCA Title 70, Chapter 9 and Title 70, Chapter 5. (S: McNally; H: Baird)
SB 1123
HB 0999
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Enacts the "Tennessee Firearms Freedom Act." - Amends TCA Title 4. (S: Bunch; H: Campfield)
SB 1134
HB 0906
(Full Text) State Summary: Guns - Prohibits the confiscation or seizure of lawfully possessed firearm or ammunition during an emergency or disaster unless peace officer reasonably believes that disarming a person is immediately necessary for the protection of the officer or another individual. - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 2, Part 1. (S: Bunch; H: Hill)
SB 1155
HB 1066
(Full Text) State Summary: Safety - Creates a Class C misdemeanor offense subject to a fine only for a parent or legal guardian to permit a child under the age of 16 to operate or be a passenger on an off-highway motor vehicle without wearing a helmet that meets the U. S. department of transportation standards; authorizes municipalities to adopt mirror ordinance and for a traffic citation in lieu of arrest to be issued for violation. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 10; Title 55, Chapter 52 and Title 70, Chapter 9. (S: Black; H: Maggart)
SB 1203
HB 0966
(Full Text) State Summary: Veterans - Provides that veterans with 30 percent or more service- connected disability, instead of more restrictive 30 percent or more combat-related disability, are eligible for free sport fishing and hunting license. - Amends TCA Title 70, Chapter 2. (S: Southerland; H: Overbey)
House Co-Sponsors: Williams; Roach; McCord
SB 1206
HB 1007
(Full Text) State Summary: Motor Vehicles - Defines off highway motor vehicles as motor vehicles for motor vehicle dealer purposes. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 17, Part 1; Title 55, Chapter 3, Part 1; Title 55, Chapter 4 and Title 55, Chapter 6, Part 1. (S: Southerland; H: Curtiss)
SB 1289
HB 0695
(Full Text) State Summary: Governor - Prohibits the governor or any state or local official from seizing private firearms or ammunition or otherwise limiting the lawful use of such firearms and ammunition during a state of emergency. - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 2, Part 1. (S: Burchett; H: McCord)
SB 1419
HB 1365
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Increases punishment for first violation of offense of unlawful possession of weapon with intent to go armed to fine not to exceed $500 and raises punishment for second or subsequent violation of such offense from Class C to Class B misdemeanor. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. (S: Flinn; H: Kernell)
SB 1440
(Full Text) State Summary: Handgun Permits - Increases the handgun permit from $115 to $130 and requires that $15.00 of the fee be sent to the sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides for purposes of reimbursing the sheriff for costs associated with performing eligibility checks. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. (S: Flinn)
SB 1507
HB 0619
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Requires five-year mandatory minimum sentence for felon who possesses a handgun; 12 years for felon who possesses handgun with the intent to employ it in commission of offense; and 20 years for felon who uses handgun to committ offense. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13 and Title 40, Chapter 35. (S: Burchett; H: Turner M)
SB 1566
(Full Text) State Summary: Game and Fish Laws - Prohibits hunting with a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicant, drug, or drug producing stimulant. - Amends TCA Title 70, Chapter 4. (S: Herron)
SB 1594
HB 1317
(Full Text) State Summary: Criminal Procedure - Extends doctrine of self-defense to permit same use of deadly force now allowed in a person's residence to other dwellings and to vehicles and provides expressly that a person is immune from criminal prosecution or civil liability for the lawful exercise of self- defense. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 11, Part 6. (S: Norris; H: West)
SB 1597
HB 1285
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Removes authorization to restrict firearm and ammunition sales during state's emergency and disaster situations. - Amends TCA Section 58-2-107. (S: Norris; H: Crider)
SB 1642
HB 1128
(Full Text) State Summary: Election Laws - Requires wildlife resources agency and license agents to provide voter registration-by-mail application forms to hunting, fishing, or sportsman's license applicants 18 years of age and older. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 2. (S: Jackson; H: Buck)
SB 1651
HB 1118
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Permits handgun carry permit holder to possess handgun in any establishment licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises provided such person is not consuming alcohol and establishment is not posted. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. (S: Jackson; H: Buck)
SB 1667
HB 0892
(Full Text) State Summary: Game and Fish Laws - Prohibits person who enters lands of another for hunting or fishing purposes from causing any damage to the property through such person's actions; penalty is a Class C misdemeanor and possible revocation of license; and authorizes wildlife resources agency to promulgate rules and regulations to establish private lands incentive programs to encourage voluntary property access for hunting and fishing purposes. - Amends TCA Title 70, Chapter 4, Part 1. (S: Jackson; H: McCord)
SB 1684
(Full Text) State Summary: Criminal Procedure - Expands the locations for which there is a presumption that the use of deadly force was the result of a reasonable belief of imminent death and confers civil immunity upon persons who are justified in the use of force by reason of self defense. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 11, Part 6. (S: Herron)
SB 1885
HB 1143
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Authorizes person with handgun carry permit to possess handgun within the confines of a restaurant licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises provided such person is not consuming alcohol while in the restaurant. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. (S: Jackson; H: Buck)
SB 1886
HB 1142
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Expands Class E felony of possession of handgun by person convicted of felony involving use or attempted use of force or convicted of felony drug offense to include possession of any firearm. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. (S: Jackson; H: Buck)
SB 1887
HB 1144
(Full Text) State Summary: Handgun Permits - Makes annual statistical report by the department of safety of the number of handgun permits issued, denied, revoked, or suspended available upon request by each member of the general assembly rather than requiring that such report be distributed to each member. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. (S: Jackson; H: Buck)
SB 1910
(Full Text) State Summary: Education - Enacts the "Schools Against Violence in Education Act" also known as the "SAVE Act." - Amends TCA Title 49. (S: Herron)
CRIMINAL LAW
SB 0011*
(Full Text) Use of deadly force for self-defense. Expands the circumstances under which a person using deadly force for self-defense is considered immune from civil liability. Permits the use of deadly force for self-defense when there is reasonable belief of death in not only a person's residence (current law) but also in such person's dwelling or vehicle. Defines residence to include any dwelling or building within the curtilage of one's residence. (S: Jackson)
Senate Status: Introduced 1/9/2007
SB 0023*
HB 0702
(Full Text) Possession of firearm where alcohol is served. Permits a person who has a permit to carry a handgun to carry gun in place where alcohol is served for consumption on premises if person not consuming alcohol or is not otherwise prohibited by posting provisions. (S: Jackson; H: McCord)
Senate Status: Introduced 1/9/2007
SB 0024*
(Full Text) Sentencing - felony drug, violent offense for illegals. Requires a person who was illegally in the U.S. at the time that he or she committed a felony drug offense or a violent felony to be sentenced from within the Range II (normally reserved for a multiple offender) of the appropriate range. (S: Jackson)
Senate Status: Introduced 1/9/2007
SB 0134
HB 0040*
(Full Text) Enhanced punishment - allowing dog on private/public land. Creates enhanced punishments for allowing a dog to go on private premises or public right-of-way. Maintains current law in that violation is a Class C misdemeanor, but creates a Class A misdemeanor if the victim suffers property damage or bodily injury and a Class E felony if the victim suffers death or serious bodily injury. Specifies that offenders are liable for all personal or property damage. Clarifies that a violation has not occurred if the dog is involved in a hunt or chase, guarding or driving stock or being moved from one place to another as long as all damages done are paid within 30 days. (S: Cooper J.; H: Fraley)
Senate Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary.
House Status: Introduced 1/29/2007
SB 0153
HB 0067*
(Full Text) Transportation and storage of firearms. Specifies that no employer or business entity can prohibit a person possessing a valid handgun carry permit from transporting and storing a firearm out of sight in a locked vehicle on any property set aside for vehicle parking. (S: Jackson; H: Turner M.)
Senate Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary.
House Status: Introduced 1/31/2007
SB 0185
HB 0140*
(Full Text) Unlawful possession of firearm. Increases penalty for offense of carrying a firearm with intent to go armed to Class B misdemeanor from Class C misdemeanor. Enhances the Class B misdemeanor penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm to a Class A misdemeanor if defendant has prior convictions for weapons crimes, assault, domestic assault or possession or casual exchange of drugs and to a Class E felony if defendant has prior conviction for a felony. Increases penalty for possession of a firearm during commission of an offense to a Class E felony. Increases penalty for employing a firearm during the commission of an offense, attempt to commit an offense or escape from an offense to a Class C felony. Requires mandatory confiscation and forfeiture of firearm for violations. Makes sentences non-probateable and requires them to be served consecutively. (S: Stanley; H: Kelsey)
Senate Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary.
House Status: Introduced 2/1/2007
SB 0187*
HB 0668
(Full Text) Self-defense and justified use of force. Expands concept of using reasonable force to protect self or others to dwellings other than residence and vehicles. Specifies that person is immune from criminal prosecution or civil liability for justified use of self-defense. (S: Stanley; H: Swafford)
Senate Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary.
House Status: House companion bill introduced. (H: Swafford)
SB 0219
HB 0164*
(Full Text) Possession of firearms by convicted felons. Prohibits certain convicted felons from possessing any type of firearm. Current law prohibits the possession of a handgun only. (S: Ketron; H: DuBois)
Senate Status: Set for Senate Judiciary Committee 02/13/2007.
House Status: Introduced 2/1/2007
SB 0361*
HB 1222
(Full Text) Expungement of criminal records. Provides for the expungement of criminal record of petitioner if 15 years or more have elapsed since the date of conviction for the offense being expunged and the petitioner has not been convicted of any other offense, excluding minor traffic violations, during such period of time. (S: Harper; H: Gilmore)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/7/2007
House Status: House companion bill introduced. (H: Gilmore)
SB 0386*
(Full Text) Handgun carry permit for TEMA directors. Permits directors of the emergency management agency, in addition to other full-time employees of the agency, to carry handguns in performance of their duties while under a written directive. (S: Bunch)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/7/2007
SB 0536*
HB 0756
(Full Text) Use of force in self-defense of home clarified. Extends presumption that use of force to protect self or others is justified self-defense to dwellings other than residence and vehicles. Expressly provides that person is immune from criminal prosecution or civil liability for lawful exercise of self-defense. (S: Jackson; H: McDonald)
House Co-Sponsor: Maggart
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
SB 0689
HB 0767
(Full Text) Criminal background checks valid for 180 days. Authorizes a criminal background check conducted by Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to be used for employment, licensure, carrying a weapon, or other purpose for 180 days from the issuance of such background check. (S: Bunch; H: Campfield)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
SB 0714
HB 0410*
(Full Text) Handgun permit holders allowed to carry gun in restaurant. Allows person with a handgun permit who is not consuming alcohol to carry handgun in restaurant where beer or alcoholic beverages are being served subject to provisions regarding the posting of notices on property. (S: Stanley; H: Todd)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/7/2007
SB 0715
HB 0413*
(Full Text) Unlawful possession of a deadly weapon. Redefines unlawful possession of a deadly weapon during the course of an offense to include only firearms and explosives; specifies that offense must be a felony committed against another person, a drug offense, or a burglary offense. Removes stipulation that offender must intend to use weapon. (S: Stanley; H: Todd)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/7/2007
SB 0797
HB 0373*
(Full Text) Expungement of certain criminal records. Allows for the expungement of criminal records for persons convicted of certain misdemeanors and felonies. Specifies exceptions to this rule. States that those persons having their records expunged under this new provision shall be required to pay a uniform fee for the expungement of these records. (S: Burchett; H: Briley)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/7/2007
SB 1543
HB 0663*
(Full Text) Handgun carry permit application fee. Reduces the application and processing fee for handgun carry permits from $115 to $100; eliminates $15.00 fee earmarked for TBI for the maintenance of its fingerprint criminal history database. (S: Beavers; H: Hill)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
SB 1609
HB 0411*
(Full Text) Use of force in self defense. Specifies when use of deadly force in self defense is justified. Expands the circumstances under which a person using deadly force for self-defense is considered immune from civil liability. Permits the use of deadly force for self-defense when there is reasonable belief of death in not only a person's residence (current law) but also in such person's dwelling or vehicle. Defines residence to include any dwelling or building within the curtilage of one's residence. (S: Norris; H: Todd)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/7/2007
SB 1864
HB 0171*
(Full Text) Civil immunity for persons using force in self defense. Confers civil immunity upon a person who uses force in justifiable self defense or defense of others and expands circumstances under which use of force is justified to protect home and family. (S: Johnson J.; H: Casada)
Senate Co-Sponsors: Tracy; Stanley
Senate Status: Senate companion bill introduced. (S: Johnson J.)
House Status: Introduced 2/1/2007
ENVIRONMENT & NATURE
SB 0053*
HB 0132
(Full Text) Possession of firearms in wildlife management areas. Allows person with a concealed carry permit to possess a firearm while traversing any public hunting areas, refuges, wildlife management areas, and national forests managed by the state. (S: Finney R.; H: Bell)
Senate Status: Held on Senate clerk's desk.
House Status: House companion bill introduced. (H: Bell)
SB 0135*
HB 0145
(Full Text) Land managed by TWRA to be open for hunting and fishing. Requires land managed by TWRA to be open to access and use for recreational hunting and fishing except for land which is limited by the agency for reasons of public safety or homeland security. Prohibits the TWRA from taking action on land which will result in any net loss of available acreage for hunting and fishing opportunities. Requires TWRA to mitigate any land closed to hunting and fishing by opening new lands to be used for the same purpose, within 12 months of closure. (S: Jackson; H: McDonald)
Senate Status: Referred to Senate Environment, Conservation & Tourism.
House Status: House companion bill introduced. (H: McDonald)
John Harris and company do a great job of informing the rest of us in the state about what's going on in the capitol and who's up to what.
Now from their latest legislative update:
Tennessee Firearms Association Legislative Action Committee
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Note: The Senate open bill period expired last Thursday. Each Senator can introduce a maximum of 9 bills between after last Thursday and this Thursday's final cutoff. This should be a relatively complete list of the bills with links to PDF files containing the bill texts.
Please also note that the filters I am running to select these bills are designed to select legislation involving firearms, range protection, self defense, hunting and ATV/OHV use which are topic areas that overlap the interests of individuals who subscribe to this free list.
I encourage you to forward this list to your friends. However, please encourage them to subscribe to the list themselves from the TFA site. If for some reason you change your email address or drop off the list, your friends may still want to receive copies.
Finally, I will be working up position statements on each bill. I would appreciate specific comments on each bill to consider as that process is underway. I do already recognize that there are a number of bills, from both parties, that need to be on the "do not pass" list.
SB 0814
(Full Text) State Summary: Criminal Offenses - Increases penalty from Class C to Class B misdemeanor for trespassing on property with an ATV; second and subsequent offenses are punishable by mandatory $250 fine. - Amends TCA Section 70-9-107. (S: Williams)
SB 1065
HB 0862
(Full Text) State Summary: Criminal Procedure - Confers civil immunity upon a person who uses force in justifiable self defense or defense of others and expands circumstances under which use of force is justified. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 11, Part 6. (S: Tracy; H: Johnson C)
SB 1076
HB 0860
(Full Text) State Summary: Motor Vehicles - Deletes authority for state agencies to permit additional use of off-highway vehicles in TWRA wildlife management areas or refuges, state forests, state parks, and state natural areas by promulgating rules and regulations. - Amends TCA Title 70, Chapter 9 and Title 70, Chapter 5. (S: McNally; H: Baird)
SB 1123
HB 0999
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Enacts the "Tennessee Firearms Freedom Act." - Amends TCA Title 4. (S: Bunch; H: Campfield)
SB 1134
HB 0906
(Full Text) State Summary: Guns - Prohibits the confiscation or seizure of lawfully possessed firearm or ammunition during an emergency or disaster unless peace officer reasonably believes that disarming a person is immediately necessary for the protection of the officer or another individual. - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 2, Part 1. (S: Bunch; H: Hill)
SB 1155
HB 1066
(Full Text) State Summary: Safety - Creates a Class C misdemeanor offense subject to a fine only for a parent or legal guardian to permit a child under the age of 16 to operate or be a passenger on an off-highway motor vehicle without wearing a helmet that meets the U. S. department of transportation standards; authorizes municipalities to adopt mirror ordinance and for a traffic citation in lieu of arrest to be issued for violation. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 10; Title 55, Chapter 52 and Title 70, Chapter 9. (S: Black; H: Maggart)
SB 1203
HB 0966
(Full Text) State Summary: Veterans - Provides that veterans with 30 percent or more service- connected disability, instead of more restrictive 30 percent or more combat-related disability, are eligible for free sport fishing and hunting license. - Amends TCA Title 70, Chapter 2. (S: Southerland; H: Overbey)
House Co-Sponsors: Williams; Roach; McCord
SB 1206
HB 1007
(Full Text) State Summary: Motor Vehicles - Defines off highway motor vehicles as motor vehicles for motor vehicle dealer purposes. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 17, Part 1; Title 55, Chapter 3, Part 1; Title 55, Chapter 4 and Title 55, Chapter 6, Part 1. (S: Southerland; H: Curtiss)
SB 1289
HB 0695
(Full Text) State Summary: Governor - Prohibits the governor or any state or local official from seizing private firearms or ammunition or otherwise limiting the lawful use of such firearms and ammunition during a state of emergency. - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 2, Part 1. (S: Burchett; H: McCord)
SB 1419
HB 1365
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Increases punishment for first violation of offense of unlawful possession of weapon with intent to go armed to fine not to exceed $500 and raises punishment for second or subsequent violation of such offense from Class C to Class B misdemeanor. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. (S: Flinn; H: Kernell)
SB 1440
(Full Text) State Summary: Handgun Permits - Increases the handgun permit from $115 to $130 and requires that $15.00 of the fee be sent to the sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides for purposes of reimbursing the sheriff for costs associated with performing eligibility checks. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. (S: Flinn)
SB 1507
HB 0619
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Requires five-year mandatory minimum sentence for felon who possesses a handgun; 12 years for felon who possesses handgun with the intent to employ it in commission of offense; and 20 years for felon who uses handgun to committ offense. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13 and Title 40, Chapter 35. (S: Burchett; H: Turner M)
SB 1566
(Full Text) State Summary: Game and Fish Laws - Prohibits hunting with a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicant, drug, or drug producing stimulant. - Amends TCA Title 70, Chapter 4. (S: Herron)
SB 1594
HB 1317
(Full Text) State Summary: Criminal Procedure - Extends doctrine of self-defense to permit same use of deadly force now allowed in a person's residence to other dwellings and to vehicles and provides expressly that a person is immune from criminal prosecution or civil liability for the lawful exercise of self- defense. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 11, Part 6. (S: Norris; H: West)
SB 1597
HB 1285
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Removes authorization to restrict firearm and ammunition sales during state's emergency and disaster situations. - Amends TCA Section 58-2-107. (S: Norris; H: Crider)
SB 1642
HB 1128
(Full Text) State Summary: Election Laws - Requires wildlife resources agency and license agents to provide voter registration-by-mail application forms to hunting, fishing, or sportsman's license applicants 18 years of age and older. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 2. (S: Jackson; H: Buck)
SB 1651
HB 1118
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Permits handgun carry permit holder to possess handgun in any establishment licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises provided such person is not consuming alcohol and establishment is not posted. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. (S: Jackson; H: Buck)
SB 1667
HB 0892
(Full Text) State Summary: Game and Fish Laws - Prohibits person who enters lands of another for hunting or fishing purposes from causing any damage to the property through such person's actions; penalty is a Class C misdemeanor and possible revocation of license; and authorizes wildlife resources agency to promulgate rules and regulations to establish private lands incentive programs to encourage voluntary property access for hunting and fishing purposes. - Amends TCA Title 70, Chapter 4, Part 1. (S: Jackson; H: McCord)
SB 1684
(Full Text) State Summary: Criminal Procedure - Expands the locations for which there is a presumption that the use of deadly force was the result of a reasonable belief of imminent death and confers civil immunity upon persons who are justified in the use of force by reason of self defense. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 11, Part 6. (S: Herron)
SB 1885
HB 1143
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Authorizes person with handgun carry permit to possess handgun within the confines of a restaurant licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises provided such person is not consuming alcohol while in the restaurant. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. (S: Jackson; H: Buck)
SB 1886
HB 1142
(Full Text) State Summary: Firearms and Ammunition - Expands Class E felony of possession of handgun by person convicted of felony involving use or attempted use of force or convicted of felony drug offense to include possession of any firearm. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. (S: Jackson; H: Buck)
SB 1887
HB 1144
(Full Text) State Summary: Handgun Permits - Makes annual statistical report by the department of safety of the number of handgun permits issued, denied, revoked, or suspended available upon request by each member of the general assembly rather than requiring that such report be distributed to each member. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. (S: Jackson; H: Buck)
SB 1910
(Full Text) State Summary: Education - Enacts the "Schools Against Violence in Education Act" also known as the "SAVE Act." - Amends TCA Title 49. (S: Herron)
CRIMINAL LAW
SB 0011*
(Full Text) Use of deadly force for self-defense. Expands the circumstances under which a person using deadly force for self-defense is considered immune from civil liability. Permits the use of deadly force for self-defense when there is reasonable belief of death in not only a person's residence (current law) but also in such person's dwelling or vehicle. Defines residence to include any dwelling or building within the curtilage of one's residence. (S: Jackson)
Senate Status: Introduced 1/9/2007
SB 0023*
HB 0702
(Full Text) Possession of firearm where alcohol is served. Permits a person who has a permit to carry a handgun to carry gun in place where alcohol is served for consumption on premises if person not consuming alcohol or is not otherwise prohibited by posting provisions. (S: Jackson; H: McCord)
Senate Status: Introduced 1/9/2007
SB 0024*
(Full Text) Sentencing - felony drug, violent offense for illegals. Requires a person who was illegally in the U.S. at the time that he or she committed a felony drug offense or a violent felony to be sentenced from within the Range II (normally reserved for a multiple offender) of the appropriate range. (S: Jackson)
Senate Status: Introduced 1/9/2007
SB 0134
HB 0040*
(Full Text) Enhanced punishment - allowing dog on private/public land. Creates enhanced punishments for allowing a dog to go on private premises or public right-of-way. Maintains current law in that violation is a Class C misdemeanor, but creates a Class A misdemeanor if the victim suffers property damage or bodily injury and a Class E felony if the victim suffers death or serious bodily injury. Specifies that offenders are liable for all personal or property damage. Clarifies that a violation has not occurred if the dog is involved in a hunt or chase, guarding or driving stock or being moved from one place to another as long as all damages done are paid within 30 days. (S: Cooper J.; H: Fraley)
Senate Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary.
House Status: Introduced 1/29/2007
SB 0153
HB 0067*
(Full Text) Transportation and storage of firearms. Specifies that no employer or business entity can prohibit a person possessing a valid handgun carry permit from transporting and storing a firearm out of sight in a locked vehicle on any property set aside for vehicle parking. (S: Jackson; H: Turner M.)
Senate Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary.
House Status: Introduced 1/31/2007
SB 0185
HB 0140*
(Full Text) Unlawful possession of firearm. Increases penalty for offense of carrying a firearm with intent to go armed to Class B misdemeanor from Class C misdemeanor. Enhances the Class B misdemeanor penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm to a Class A misdemeanor if defendant has prior convictions for weapons crimes, assault, domestic assault or possession or casual exchange of drugs and to a Class E felony if defendant has prior conviction for a felony. Increases penalty for possession of a firearm during commission of an offense to a Class E felony. Increases penalty for employing a firearm during the commission of an offense, attempt to commit an offense or escape from an offense to a Class C felony. Requires mandatory confiscation and forfeiture of firearm for violations. Makes sentences non-probateable and requires them to be served consecutively. (S: Stanley; H: Kelsey)
Senate Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary.
House Status: Introduced 2/1/2007
SB 0187*
HB 0668
(Full Text) Self-defense and justified use of force. Expands concept of using reasonable force to protect self or others to dwellings other than residence and vehicles. Specifies that person is immune from criminal prosecution or civil liability for justified use of self-defense. (S: Stanley; H: Swafford)
Senate Status: Referred to Senate Judiciary.
House Status: House companion bill introduced. (H: Swafford)
SB 0219
HB 0164*
(Full Text) Possession of firearms by convicted felons. Prohibits certain convicted felons from possessing any type of firearm. Current law prohibits the possession of a handgun only. (S: Ketron; H: DuBois)
Senate Status: Set for Senate Judiciary Committee 02/13/2007.
House Status: Introduced 2/1/2007
SB 0361*
HB 1222
(Full Text) Expungement of criminal records. Provides for the expungement of criminal record of petitioner if 15 years or more have elapsed since the date of conviction for the offense being expunged and the petitioner has not been convicted of any other offense, excluding minor traffic violations, during such period of time. (S: Harper; H: Gilmore)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/7/2007
House Status: House companion bill introduced. (H: Gilmore)
SB 0386*
(Full Text) Handgun carry permit for TEMA directors. Permits directors of the emergency management agency, in addition to other full-time employees of the agency, to carry handguns in performance of their duties while under a written directive. (S: Bunch)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/7/2007
SB 0536*
HB 0756
(Full Text) Use of force in self-defense of home clarified. Extends presumption that use of force to protect self or others is justified self-defense to dwellings other than residence and vehicles. Expressly provides that person is immune from criminal prosecution or civil liability for lawful exercise of self-defense. (S: Jackson; H: McDonald)
House Co-Sponsor: Maggart
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
SB 0689
HB 0767
(Full Text) Criminal background checks valid for 180 days. Authorizes a criminal background check conducted by Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to be used for employment, licensure, carrying a weapon, or other purpose for 180 days from the issuance of such background check. (S: Bunch; H: Campfield)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
SB 0714
HB 0410*
(Full Text) Handgun permit holders allowed to carry gun in restaurant. Allows person with a handgun permit who is not consuming alcohol to carry handgun in restaurant where beer or alcoholic beverages are being served subject to provisions regarding the posting of notices on property. (S: Stanley; H: Todd)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/7/2007
SB 0715
HB 0413*
(Full Text) Unlawful possession of a deadly weapon. Redefines unlawful possession of a deadly weapon during the course of an offense to include only firearms and explosives; specifies that offense must be a felony committed against another person, a drug offense, or a burglary offense. Removes stipulation that offender must intend to use weapon. (S: Stanley; H: Todd)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/7/2007
SB 0797
HB 0373*
(Full Text) Expungement of certain criminal records. Allows for the expungement of criminal records for persons convicted of certain misdemeanors and felonies. Specifies exceptions to this rule. States that those persons having their records expunged under this new provision shall be required to pay a uniform fee for the expungement of these records. (S: Burchett; H: Briley)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/7/2007
SB 1543
HB 0663*
(Full Text) Handgun carry permit application fee. Reduces the application and processing fee for handgun carry permits from $115 to $100; eliminates $15.00 fee earmarked for TBI for the maintenance of its fingerprint criminal history database. (S: Beavers; H: Hill)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
SB 1609
HB 0411*
(Full Text) Use of force in self defense. Specifies when use of deadly force in self defense is justified. Expands the circumstances under which a person using deadly force for self-defense is considered immune from civil liability. Permits the use of deadly force for self-defense when there is reasonable belief of death in not only a person's residence (current law) but also in such person's dwelling or vehicle. Defines residence to include any dwelling or building within the curtilage of one's residence. (S: Norris; H: Todd)
Senate Status: Introduced 2/8/2007
House Status: Introduced 2/7/2007
SB 1864
HB 0171*
(Full Text) Civil immunity for persons using force in self defense. Confers civil immunity upon a person who uses force in justifiable self defense or defense of others and expands circumstances under which use of force is justified to protect home and family. (S: Johnson J.; H: Casada)
Senate Co-Sponsors: Tracy; Stanley
Senate Status: Senate companion bill introduced. (S: Johnson J.)
House Status: Introduced 2/1/2007
ENVIRONMENT & NATURE
SB 0053*
HB 0132
(Full Text) Possession of firearms in wildlife management areas. Allows person with a concealed carry permit to possess a firearm while traversing any public hunting areas, refuges, wildlife management areas, and national forests managed by the state. (S: Finney R.; H: Bell)
Senate Status: Held on Senate clerk's desk.
House Status: House companion bill introduced. (H: Bell)
SB 0135*
HB 0145
(Full Text) Land managed by TWRA to be open for hunting and fishing. Requires land managed by TWRA to be open to access and use for recreational hunting and fishing except for land which is limited by the agency for reasons of public safety or homeland security. Prohibits the TWRA from taking action on land which will result in any net loss of available acreage for hunting and fishing opportunities. Requires TWRA to mitigate any land closed to hunting and fishing by opening new lands to be used for the same purpose, within 12 months of closure. (S: Jackson; H: McDonald)
Senate Status: Referred to Senate Environment, Conservation & Tourism.
House Status: House companion bill introduced. (H: McDonald)