Tennessee House Bill HB1093

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Refer: 2/26/25
• Refer: 3/12/25
• Refer: 3/19/25
• Refer: 4/17/25
• Engrossed: 4/21/25
• Enrolled: 4/28/25
• Passed: 5/21/25
• Chaptered: 5/27/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to firearms.

Summary

HB1093 revises Tennessee’s criminal code in several firearm-related areas and makes a targeted sentencing change for aggravated assault involving a firearm fired from a motor vehicle. The bill updates the statutory definition of “machine gun” to include firearms that fire more than two shots automatically with a single trigger function, and it adjusts several related firearm provisions in Title 39 to align cross-references and terminology involving firearm ammunition, handgun ammunition, and prohibited conduct. The bill also amends probation and release-eligibility rules in Title 40. It narrows eligibility for probation for certain offenses and adds aggravated assault offenses involving deadly weapons to the list of offenses with special sentencing treatment. Most notably, for aggravated assault committed with a firearm from within a motor vehicle on or after July 1, 2025, the bill eliminates release eligibility and requires the offender to serve 100% of the sentence imposed, while still allowing the person to earn credits for non-release purposes such as privileges or classification.

Impact

HB1093 changes Tennessee law by tightening definitions and sentencing consequences for certain firearm offenses, especially drive-by style aggravated assault. It amends sections of Titles 39 and 40 affecting firearm definitions, prohibited possession or conduct involving firearms and ammunition, probation eligibility, and parole/release eligibility. The practical effect is to increase punishment severity for specified gun crimes and limit judicial or correctional discretion for offenders convicted under the new aggravated-assault provision.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have broad support in the legislature, as reflected by unanimous or near-unanimous committee recommendations and strong floor passage margins. The voting history suggests a generally favorable sentiment toward the bill’s public-safety focus and its tougher treatment of firearm-related violent crime. The final enactment indicates the measure was ultimately accepted by both chambers and signed into law.

Contention

The main point of contention is the bill’s sentencing severity, particularly the provision requiring 100% service of sentence for aggravated assault involving a firearm from a motor vehicle. That change limits release eligibility and may be viewed as reducing flexibility in sentencing and corrections. The recorded votes show some opposition on the House floor and in the Senate, suggesting that while the bill’s overall direction was supported, a minority of members likely objected to the mandatory punishment approach or the broader firearm restrictions.