AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65, relative to weapons.
SB2467 is a broad firearms bill that revises multiple parts of Tennessee law governing who may possess or carry firearms, where firearms may be carried, and how certain juvenile and criminal-law firearm offenses are defined. It removes several existing statutory provisions, narrows some firearm-disqualification categories, and updates references from “handgun” to “firearm” in multiple sections of the code. The bill also expands lawful carry in certain public outdoor spaces, including state and local parks, greenways, and, where federal law allows, certain federal recreational lands.
A major feature of the bill is a new process for people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses to petition for restoration of firearm rights after three years, with eligibility tied to a conviction within the prior five years and a court finding that the person is no longer likely to pose a danger and that relief is not contrary to the public interest. The bill also modifies juvenile-related firearm offenses, adds exceptions for juveniles possessing rifles or shotguns at home, at work, on their premises, while protecting livestock, or if emancipated, and changes the offense of carrying a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. It also requires record-sharing and database updates through the TBI and the Department of Safety if firearm rights are restored.
The bill would significantly affect Tennessee’s firearms statutes in Title 39, along with related juvenile justice and education provisions in Titles 37 and 49. It appears to reduce or clarify some firearm prohibitions, expand lawful carry in parks and similar public areas, and create a formal restoration pathway for certain domestic-violence misdemeanants. It also directs state agencies to update background-check records and destroy certain petition records after relief is granted.
The overall sentiment in the available record is difficult to gauge because there are no committee transcripts or vote tallies provided. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to reflect a pro-gun-rights approach with some public-safety guardrails, especially the intoxication offense and the court-supervised restoration process. The lack of recorded discussion or votes means there is no documented committee or floor sentiment in the materials provided.
The main points of contention likely center on the balance between firearm access and public safety. Supporters would likely favor expanded carry rights, broader juvenile exceptions, and a restoration path for people with older domestic-violence misdemeanor convictions. Opponents would likely focus on the reduction of firearm prohibitions, the expansion of carry in parks and recreational areas, and the potential risks of restoring rights to individuals with prior domestic violence or substance-use-related concerns.
SB2467 would amend numerous Tennessee Code provisions in Titles 37, 39, and 49, primarily by revising firearm possession and carry restrictions, redefining certain offenses to apply to “firearms” rather than only handguns, and adding a new judicial petition process for restoration of firearm rights after certain misdemeanor domestic violence convictions. It would also expand lawful carry in parks, greenways, and similar public outdoor spaces, subject to federal law, and require the TBI and Department of Safety to update criminal-history and background-check records when relief is granted. The bill would take effect July 1, 2026.
No committee transcripts or vote history are provided, so there is no direct record of legislative debate or recorded support/opposition. From the bill text, the measure appears to be generally favorable to firearm access and carry rights while retaining some public-safety restrictions, suggesting a likely proponent view among gun-rights advocates and likely concern from gun-control or public-safety advocates. The absence of recorded votes prevents a more precise assessment of legislative sentiment.
Likely points of contention include the bill’s narrowing of firearm prohibitions for people with misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, its allowance for carry in parks and other public recreational areas, and its changes to juvenile firearm rules. Supporters would likely argue the bill restores rights, modernizes terminology, and clarifies lawful conduct; opponents would likely argue it weakens safeguards for domestic violence, substance abuse, and public spaces. The new restoration petition process may also draw scrutiny over the standards for relief, the one-time petition limit, and the handling of records and background-check data.