Safer TN Tracker | 2.24.26 - Voices for a Safer Tennessee

Tennessee ranks third in the nation for accidental shootings by children. These are incidents in which a child gains access to a loaded firearm and unintentionally shoots themselves or someone else. Over the past two weeks alone, multiple incidents involving children accessing unsecured guns have made headlines, underscoring the urgent importance of secure storage.

Safer TN will soon launch a section on our website outlining the bills we support, oppose, and are monitoring. Because legislation can change significantly through amendments, we will notify you as soon as the tracker is live and will continue to provide updates as bills evolve. These stories, and more, are what we’re tracking this week.

#1 What We’re Tracking: Legislative Update — Major Firearm Bills Delayed, Amendments Expected

From Safer TN Policy Advisor Jennifer Hellmer

Several bills Safer TN is tracking were scheduled for committee hearings last week; however, most were deferred to a later date. We also reviewed newly drafted amendments and anticipate that additional amendments will be introduced in the coming weeks. Amendments can range from technical corrections to substantial rewrites that significantly alter a bill’s scope and intent.

Of particular note, HB 2064, which received media coverage, was deferred to March 4 in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. The bill proposes multiple changes to existing firearms statutes, including a provision that would allow individuals convicted of stalking and misdemeanor domestic violence offenses to have their firearm rights restored after five years. We anticipate that an amendment may be filed and will continue to closely monitor the bill’s progress.

This week, the House is focused on budget matters, with no additional committee hearings scheduled, allowing members to concentrate on fiscal priorities. The Senate, however, continues to meet in committee. We will share any updates as they become available.

#2 What We’re Tracking: Shootings Across the State Highlight Tennessee’s Ongoing Challenge

The past two weeks have brought heartbreaking news across Tennessee. From an accidental shooting in East Tennessee that claimed the life of an 8-year-old to a loaded gun found in a Middle Tennessee middle school student’s backpack, one issue connects both incidents: secure storage.

Secure storage means firearms are unloaded, locked, and stored separately from ammunition.

It’s also important to remember that when your child goes to a friend’s house — or when your child is babysitting — it’s okay to ask whether firearms are present and how they are stored. These conversations can feel uncomfortable, but they save lives.

We have tools and conversation guides on our website to help you start that discussion. You can find those resources here.

#3 What We’re Tracking: Did You Know? Rural Residents Are More Vulnerable to Firearm Death

Rural Tennesseans are more likely to die by firearm than residents in metro areas. While cities may experience a higher total number of shootings, the rate of firearm death — meaning the statistical likelihood of dying by firearm — is higher in rural communities.

This disparity is largely driven by higher rates of firearm suicide and more limited access to immediate trauma care and medical infrastructure. In Tennessee, rural residents die by suicide at a rate 1.2 times higher than those living in metro areas, with East Tennessee experiencing the highest rates in the state.

Understanding where risk is highest helps us focus prevention efforts where they are most urgently needed. In fact, the Tennessee Department of Health has recommended that state agencies and local organizations partner with Safer TN because of our nonpartisan, safety-focused approach to firearm education and prevention.

#4 What We’re Tracking: New On Our Event List: Old Crow Medicine Show

Safer TN has just secured a table at the Old Crow Medicine Show concert at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville on March 20.

We’ll be there with firearm safety resources and free cable locks. We’re grateful to Safer TN Advisory Board Member Ketch Secor for the invitation and are excited to connect with East Tennesseans at this iconic venue.

Other upcoming events include: