Successes include passing new firearm safety policies and preventing dangerous proposed legislation in Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 28, 2026) – Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) concluded its advocacy during the 114th Tennessee General Assembly making continued incremental progress advancing firearm safety. Safer TN is proud to have supported the following bills that will soon be signed into law:
- HB2588/SB2369 – Enhances safety by allowing schools to offer a hunter education course as part of physical education, health, or safety instruction for students in 5th through 12th grade.
- HB1757/SB1747 – Creates a criminal offense of recklessly discharging a firearm into the air, ground, a body of water, or an object in close proximity to the person if the firearm is discharged at a public gathering where 25 or more people are gathered.
In addition, Safer TN’s statewide coalition played an important role in preventing a proposed bill that would have allowed individuals with a carry permit to openly carry loaded long guns in public settings including near schools, in neighborhoods, at public gatherings, in state parks, and other places where children, families, and communities frequent. The prevention of dangerous proposed legislation that threatens community safety is incredibly important during this pivotal time, when an increasing number of Tennesseans are vocalizing their desire for stronger firearm safety measures.
“A key reflection from the 2026 session is that many of our legislators’ approach to assessing firearm-related policy has changed,” said Todd Cruse, chairman of Safer TN’s 501(c)4 board of directors. “Prior to our organization’s formation, we would rarely see engagement in meaningful discussions around policies addressing firearm safety. One of the most notable ‘wins’ of this year’s session is that we heard more collaborative discussion about firearm safety taking place than in recent years, and we commend our legislators for that.”
Illustrating the shift in sentiment, several other proposed bills that jeopardized community safety by expanding the places and/or the types of firearms people could publicly carry were prevented from advancing by State legislative leadership.
In addition to legislative activities this spring, Safer TN launched a first-of-its kind data dashboard in partnership with the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville that tracks and reports both the human and economic impact of firearm injuries and deaths in the state.
“We are hopeful that illuminating Tennessee’s dismal statistics related to preventable firearm tragedies and amplifying the voices of Tennesseans who believe in responsible firearm ownership has led us to a turning point,” said Claudia Huskey, executive director for Safer TN. “We thank our legislators and the nearly 35,000-person statewide coalition that worked with us throughout the year to advance our shared mission.”
About Voices for a Safer Tennessee
Voices for a Safer Tennessee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with nearly 35,000 supporters in all 95 counties, committed to firearm safety efforts that protect our communities and respect the Second Amendment.
