Media Advisory

Our hearts are with the Florida State University community and all those impacted by last Thursday’s devastating shooting, in which the son of a sheriff’s deputy allegedly used her service weapon to kill two people and injure six others. This tragedy is yet another painful reminder of how easily firearms can fall into the wrong hands — and how quickly lives can be shattered.

According to The Washington Post, the majority of school shootings in America involve firearms taken from the homes of parents, relatives, or friends. This fact underscores what we at Safer TN know to be true: secure firearm storage is a lifesaving measure.

That’s why we’ve launched a new public awareness campaign, including billboards across the state, to urge responsible gun ownership and promote secure storage practices. Because at the heart of a safer Tennessee is a shared commitment to protecting one another — especially our children.

This message carries even more weight as we mark a day bookended by two heartbreaking anniversaries: the Columbine High School massacre and the Waffle House shooting in Nashville. These tragedies — and far too many others — remind us why our work matters. At Safer TN, we reflect, we grieve, and we press forward.

Legislative Tracker

The TN General Assembly is wrapping up final votes this week, after passing a $59.8 billion budget last Wednesday. Despite the dozens of firearm-related bills introduced at the start of session, only a handful have made it across the finish line. 

The good news: None of the truly dangerous bills Safer TN opposed made it out of committee. Additionally, two important bills for public safety – one that would criminalize threats of mass violence, and another that would make Glock switches and ammunition possession by felons illegal – have cleared major hurdles and are up for final votes today and possibly tomorrow. 

Monday, April 21 (TODAY): 

• Expect a Senate Floor vote on SB1296, sponsored by Leader Jack Johnson, to criminalize threats of mass violence. The Senate is meeting at 4pm for floor votes, and this legislation appears as #28 on the Regular Calendar.  Watch floor votes live here. 

• The House version of this legislation, HB1314, passed the House on April 15th by a vote of 83-11. Thanks to Leader Lamberth for his leadership on this bill! 

• Expect a House Floor vote on HB1093, sponsored by Speaker Sexton. This legislation makes Glock switches illegal at the state level (these enable a pistol to fire automatically like a machine gun), prohibits felons from possessing ammunition, and requires 100% of sentence to be served for a person convicted of aggravated assault involving the discharge of a firearm from within a motor vehicle. The House is meeting at 10am today for votes, and this bill appears as #22 on the Regular Calendar. Good news for this bill, it received funding in last week’s budget bill, so if approved it has the appropriated funds to go into effect. Watch floor votes live here. 

• The Senate version of this bill, SB1075, sponsored by Leader Johnson, is up for consideration today in Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee, which is meeting at 12:30pm today. SB1075 is #20 on the calendar. If it passes out of committee, it will be calendared for the Senate Floor. Watch the committee hearing live here. 

To make it to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law, a bill must pass both the House and Senate. 

Presentations in suburban/rural parts of Tennessee

At Safer TN, we’re passionate about connecting with and educating communities across Tennessee=about the very real dangers of unsecured firearms, the rise in firearm suicide rates, and the practical, life-saving steps we can take together to build safer communities.

Our educational presentations highlight solutions like increasing access to mental health care, implementing effective school safety measures, and ensuring firearms are securely stored and kept out of the hands of those who pose a risk to themselves or others.

Last week, we were honored to bring this message to the Montgomery County Health Council and the Sumner County NAACP, where we engaged in meaningful conversations and shared resources grounded in data and compassion.

Want to help us expand our reach? You can! Connect us with a civic organization, neighborhood group, workplace, or church — any group that could benefit from an evidence-based, engaging presentation on gun safety.

Just email us at info@safertn.org — we’d love to join you.

Passover, Easter and a belated Eid al-Fitr

Over the past several weeks, many across the U.S. have observed sacred holidays and traditions — from Good Friday and Easter, to Passover, to Eid al-Fitr. We hope everyone who celebrated found moments of peace, connection, and joy with family, friends, neighbors, and their wider communities.

At Safer TN, these moments remind us why we do this work: because everyone deserves to be safe — safe while celebrating milestones of faith and culture, safe in their schools and homes, and safe as they move through the world. It’s not about politics or partisanship — it’s about people. No matter your religion, beliefs, age, or background, your right to safety is non-negotiable.

If you’re feeling alone in your concern, or want to connect with others who share your values, reach out! We’re building a movement grounded in compassion, data, and real community action — and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Follow us on social media, email us at info@safertn.org, or consider making a donation to support our work. Together, we’re creating a safer Tennessee — for everyone.

Less than two weeks ago—while many of us were sheltering in our bathrooms during tornado warnings—a 4-year-old boy in Memphis tragically accessed an unsecured firearm, with fatal consequences. It was the third unintentional shooting involving a child in Memphis in just one week.

If you’ve been with Safer TN for a while, you know the sobering truth: firearms have been the leading cause of death for children in Tennessee since 2017. Even more alarming, Tennessee now ranks third in the nation for unintentional shootings by children.These heartbreaking and entirely preventable tragedies are exactly why Safer TN is stepping up efforts to raise awareness and promote secure firearm storage. This month, we launched our first-ever billboard campaign to educate communities and encourage responsible gun ownership across the state.

Raising Awareness: Our First Billboard Campaign

Last week, we unveiled a series of billboards across Nashville, Sumner and Rutherford counties, and Clarksville. These messages are designed to grab attention and inspire action—highlighting the critical importance of keeping firearms stored unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.

So far in 2025, Tennessee has already seen more than 21 accidental shootings, including at least one child death. Our campaign draws from safety recommendations shared by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the NRA—an important reminder that secure storage is common ground we can all stand on.

The billboards will remain up through June 7, reinforcing a consistent message across Middle Tennessee communities: secure storage saves lives.

Volunteer Spotlight: Tommy Ragsdale

This week, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on one of our dedicated volunteers, Tommy Ragsdale—a Tennessean whose life of service continues to shape his commitment to firearm safety and community well-being. Tommy grew up in Nashville and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy before serving in the United States Marine Corps. 

For Tommy, advocating for safer communities isn’t about taking sides. It’s about finding common ground. He believes that responsible firearm ownership and safer communities are not opposing goals—they go hand in hand. He sees firearm safety not as a political issue, but a moral one, rooted in our shared responsibility to prevent avoidable tragedies and protect the lives of children and families across Tennessee.

Tommy’s steady leadership, clear voice, and compassionate approach continue to inspire those around him. We’re honored to have him as part of the Safer TN family. Watch his video spotlight here to learn more about why this mission matters so deeply to him.

Did your yard sign weather the storms?

In the wake of the recent severe weather across Tennessee, our hearts are with everyone in our coalition and the broader community who may have been affected. We know how unsettling and destructive these storms can be, and we hope that you and your loved ones are safe, and that your home was spared from serious damage. Times like these remind us of the strength and resilience of our community—and how important it is to look out for one another.

If your Safer TN yard sign or stakes were damaged, lost, or blown away during the storms, please don’t hesitate to let us know. These signs are more than just decorations—they’re powerful symbols of the shared values we stand for: safety, responsibility, and a commitment to protecting our children and communities. We want to make sure you can continue to display that message proudly.

Whether your stakes were snapped or your sign disappeared altogether, we’ll gladly send you a replacement free of charge. Just fill out this quick form and we’ll get one to you as soon as possible. Thank you for being a visible and vocal part of our movement—rain or shine.

Juice Box Jam

This past weekend, Safer TN had a blast at Juice Box Jam—the family-friendly remix of the beloved Whiskey Jam—hosted by our friends at Family Alliance in Music. From the live music to the joyful energy of kids dancing and playing, it was a celebration of community, connection, and care. We were so grateful for the opportunity to join in and speak with Tennessee families about the importance of secure firearm storage. Events like these are such a meaningful way to reach parents and caregivers where they are—with practical tools and conversations that can truly save lives.

At our booth, we shared free safety materials, answered questions, and offered tips on how to talk to friends and family about safe gun storage—whether you’re hosting a playdate or sending your kids to a friend’s house. We were encouraged by how many folks were eager to learn, engage, and spread the message.

Are you planning a neighborhood gathering, community event, or school function? We’d love to partner with you! Safer TN can provide educational materials, talking points, and resources to help spark important conversations about responsible firearm ownership. If you’d like us to be part of your next event, just reach out to emily@safertn.org. Together, we can keep building safer, stronger communities across Tennessee.

As the legislative session begins to wind down, our work at Safer TN continues at full speed—both at the Capitol and across the state. While lawmakers may soon adjourn, our commitment to building a safer Tennessee is just entering its next phase. After session, we’ll pivot our energy toward deepening community engagement, expanding our educational programming, and strengthening partnerships with faith communities, healthcare providers, and local organizations.

We’ll be launching new secure storage awareness campaigns, developing resources to help families and gun owners make safety-centered choices, and visiting communities who want to benefit from our data-informed knowledge on community safety. At the same time, we’ll begin laying the groundwork for the 2026 legislative session. This movement doesn’t pause when the legislature does. It grows. And we’re incredibly grateful to have your support, your voice, and your presence as we continue this critical work together.

Legislative Tracker

We are in the final weeks of the 2025 legislative session, as the General Assembly is expected to adjourn in mid-April. Some House and Senate Committees have already “closed” and completed their business for the year, and several more are expected to close this week.  

Some good news: several bad bills failed to advance this past week include legislation that would have removed penalties for carrying a firearm into a posted place of business, and a bill that would have lowered from 21 to 18 the age to allow permitless carry of handguns and for enhanced carry permits. 

Several good bills are up for consideration this week, including legislation to criminalize threats of mass violence and make glock switches (which enable pistols to fire like machine guns) illegal at the state level. See the full list of what we’re tracking below. 

Week of April 7^th – Committees and Bills We’re Tracking

 Tuesday, April 8:

9AM – HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, House Hearing Room I, Agenda & Livestream

HB468 Reeves L.

Increases penalty for reckless endangerment. As amended, expands the offense of reckless endangerment to include discharging a firearm or antique firearm into a motor vehicle. Establishes that discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle is a Class C felony, while discharging a firearm into an unoccupied vehicle is a Class D felony. Authorizes the offense to be prosecuted as aggravated assault, or any other criminal offense, if applicable.  Fiscal Note: (Dated January 24, 2025) STATE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES Incarceration $84,700.  SB163 – J. Hensley – 04/02/25 – Set for Senate Judiciary Committee 04/08/25.

HB1189 Grills R.	Enhanced and concealed firearm carry permits. Renames enhanced and concealed handgun carry permits as enhanced and concealed firearm carry permits and authorizes a permit holder to carry any firearms, rather than handguns, that the permit holder legally owns or possesses. Broadly captioned. Allows for permit holders to openly carry loaded long guns. Fiscal Note: (Dated March 21, 2025) OTHER FISCAL IMPACT The proposed legislation will require updates to the Department of Safety’s A-List software system and changes in handgun permit design and implementation. It is assumed that these updates can be accomplished by the vendors under current contractual agreements without a need for additional expenditures. However, if the scope of work required by this and other legislation subsequently enacted exhausts the relevant contract provisions, the proposed legislation could result in an increase in state expenditures of $142,600 in FY25-26. SB1227 – A. Lowe – 04/02/25 – Set for Senate Judiciary Committee 04/08/25.
HJR53 Reedy J.	Constitutional amendment – right to keep and bear arms. Proposes an amendment to Article I, Section 26 of the Constitution of Tennessee to remove the provision that authorizes the legislature to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime and to clarify that citizens have a right to keep and bear arms. – 04/03/25 – H: Set for House Judiciary Committee 04/08/25.
HB856 Capley K.	Lowers the standard for the use of deadly force to protect property. Lowers the standard for the use of deadly force to protect property. Specifies that deadly force does not include the display of a weapon, the brandishing of a weapon, or the use of force in circumstances that do not result in death or serious bodily injury. Fiscal Note: (Dated March 4, 2025) NOT SIGNIFICANT.  SB1407 – J. Hensley – 04/02/25 – Set for Senate Judiciary Committee 04/08/25.
HB947 Brooks S.	Enacts “Akilah’s Law,” which creates the offense of selling, offering to sell, delivering, or transferring a firearm to a person knowing the person has been a patient in a mental institution at any time within the previous five years. Fiscal Note: (Dated March 12, 2025) NOT SIGNIFICANT SB1191 – R. Akbari – 04/02/25 – Set for Senate Judiciary Committee 04/08/25.
HB873 Fritts M.	Civil actions against arms dealers, manufacturers, and sellers. Removes the ability to bring a civil liability action for negligence per se against a seller of a qualified product. Expands “qualified products” to include knives, body armor, pepper spray, silencers, tasers, stun guns, and other certain products. Requires physical injury for a negligent entrustment action rather than an unreasonable risk of physical injury. Makes various other changes regarding civil actions against arms dealers, manufacturers, and sellers and the preemption of local regulation of firearms. Broadly captioned. Amendment Summary: House Civil Justice Committee amendment 1 (004178) makes various revisions to certain definitions, legal liabilities, burdens of proof, processes, and rights of action as they pertain to qualified civil liability actions brought against a manufacturer or seller of firearms and other weapons, to the effect of broadening and reinforcing certain legal immunities such manufacturers and sellers are provided against liability actions related to the use of their products. Restricts the applicability of foreign judgements in such actions in this state under public nuisance or market share theories of liability by requiring they do not violate the relevant policies of this state, and that they otherwise would be allowable under the laws of this state. Increases restrictions on local governments to regulate and enforce certain laws and policies related to firearms and ammunition and their use, including limiting such regulations to only those established by ordinance or resolution, rather than also such regulations enacted by policy or rule, and to only those established or authorized by state law, rather than state or federal law. Elevates state law supremacy in qualified civil liability actions against manufacturers and sellers of firearms and other weapons, and in the regulation of firearms, weapons, and weapons products, generally.  Fiscal Note: (Dated March 23, 2025) NOT SIGNIFICANT.  SB1360 – J. Hensley – 04/02/25 – Set for Senate Judiciary Committee 04/08/25.

12:30PM – HOUSE FINANCE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE, House Hearing Room I, Agenda & Livestream

HB1314 Lamberth W.

Criminal offenses for threatening to commit an act of mass violence and posting an individual’s number or address. As amended, creates a Class E felony offense for knowingly, by any means of communication, threatening to commit an act of mass violence and the threat causes another to reasonably expect the commission of an act of mass violence. This classification is enhanced to a Class D felony if: (1) the violation involves a threat to commit mass violence on the property of a school, house of worship, or government, or at a live performance or event; (2) the defendant has one of more prior convictions for such offense or a Class A misdemeanor threat of mass violence on a school property; or (3) the defendant takes a substantial step towards the execution of the threatened act and engages in preparatory actions. Authorizes a sentencing court to order a person convicted of threatening to commit an act of mass violence to pay restitution, including costs and damages resulting from the disruption of the normal activity that would have otherwise occurred but for the threat. Creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for posting on a publicly accessible website a person’s telephone number or address with the intent to threat or cause harm. Enhances the penalty, from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor, if the offense results in harm to the individual or a member of the household. Fiscal Note: Incarceration $822,200. SB1296 – J. Johnson – 04/01/25 – Senate Judiciary Committee recommended with amendment 1 (004348). Sent to Senate Finance.

1PM – SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, Senate Hearing Room I, Agenda & Livestream

SB1075 Johnson J.	Makes Glock switches illegal. As amended, expands the definition of machine gun as it relates to weapons offenses. Provides an exception for acquiring or possessing such a weapon if the person is in full compliance with the National Firearms Act. Increases the offense of intentionally or knowingly possessing, manufacturing, transporting, repairing, or selling a machine gun from a Class E felony to a Class C felony. Expands the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of a felony crime of violence, an attempt to commit a felony crime of violence, or a felony involving a deadly weapon, or a prior conviction for a felony drug offense, to include possession of ammunition. Expands the offense of unlawful possession of a handgun to include possession of ammunition. Prohibits probation for a person convicted of aggravated assault involving the discharge of a firearm from within a motor vehicle. Establishes that a person incarcerated for the offense of aggravated assault, if the offense involved the use of a firearm from within a motor vehicle, is ineligible to receive sentence reduction credits and must serve 100 percent of the imposed sentence.  Fiscal Note: (Dated February 7, 2025) NOT SIGNIFICANT. HB1093 – C. Sexton – 03/26/25 – House Finance Subcommittee placed behind the budget.
SB1082 Johnson J.	Offense of possessing a firearm or antique firearm during commission or attempt to commit a dangerous felony. Adds certain criminal offenses, including first degree murder, second degree murder, and reckless homicide to the list of dangerous felonies for purposes of the offense of possessing a firearm or antique firearm during commission or attempt to commit a dangerous felony. Amendment Summary: House Judiciary Committee amendment 1 (005970) expands the definition of dangerous felony in regard to weapons offenses, to include 15 additional criminal offenses.  Fiscal Note: (Dated February 27, 2025) STATE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES Incarceration $117,600. HB578 – C. Doggett – 04/02/25 – House Finance Subcommittee placed behind the budget.
SB163 Hensley J.	Increases penalty for reckless endangerment. As amended, expands the offense of reckless endangerment to include discharging a firearm or antique firearm into a motor vehicle. Establishes that discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle is a Class C felony, while discharging a firearm into an unoccupied vehicle is a Class D felony. Authorizes the offense to be prosecuted as aggravated assault, or any other criminal offense, if applicable.  Fiscal Note: (Dated January 24, 2025) STATE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES Incarceration $84,700. HB468 – L. Reeves – 04/03/25 – Set for House Judiciary Committee 04/08/25.
SB657 Hensley J.	Definition of racketeering activity. Adds organized retail crime and possession or employment of a firearm during the commission of or attempt to commit a dangerous felony to the definition of racketeering activity; clarifies that carjacking is racketeering activity. Broadly captioned. Fiscal Note: (Dated February 13, 2025) NOT SIGNIFICANT.  HB587 – R. Scarbrough – 04/03/25 – Set for House Judiciary Committee 04/08/25.
SB1360 Hensley J.	Civil actions against arms dealers, manufacturers, and sellers. Removes the ability to bring a civil liability action for negligence per se against a seller of a qualified product. Expands “qualified products” to include knives, body armor, pepper spray, silencers, tasers, stun guns, and other certain products. Requires physical injury for a negligent entrustment action rather than an unreasonable risk of physical injury. Specifies that a person who will be subject to an ordinance in the future or reasonably intends to be physically present in the political subdivision is an adversely affected party for purposes of filing certain actions. Makes various other changes regarding civil actions against arms dealers, manufacturers, and sellers and the preemption of local regulation of firearms. Broadly captioned. Amendment Summary: House Civil Justice Committee amendment 1 (004178) makes various revisions to certain definitions, legal liabilities, burdens of proof, processes, and rights of action as they pertain to qualified civil liability actions brought against a manufacturer or seller of firearms and other weapons, to the effect of broadening and reinforcing certain legal immunities such manufacturers and sellers are provided against liability actions related to the use of their products. Restricts the applicability of foreign judgements. Increases restrictions on local governments to regulate and enforce certain laws and policies related to firearms and ammunition and their use. Elevates state law supremacy in qualified civil liability actions against manufacturers and sellers of firearms and other weapons, and in the regulation of firearms, weapons, and weapons products, generally. Fiscal Note: (Dated March 23, 2025) NOT SIGNIFICANT. HB873 – M. Fritts – 04/03/25 – Set for House Judiciary Committee 04/08/25.
SB1407 Hensley J.	Lowers the standard for the use of deadly force to protect property. Lowers the standard for the use of deadly force to protect property. Specifies that deadly force does not include the display of a weapon, the brandishing of a weapon, or the use of force in circumstances that do not result in death or serious bodily injury. Fiscal Note: (Dated March 4, 2025) NOT SIGNIFICANT. HB856 – K. Capley – 04/03/25 – Set for House Judiciary Committee 04/08/25.
SB1227 Lowe A.	Enhanced and concealed firearm carry permits. Renames enhanced and concealed handgun carry permits as enhanced and concealed firearm carry permits and authorizes a permit holder to carry any firearms, rather than handguns, that the permit holder legally owns or possesses. Broadly captioned. Fiscal Note: (Dated March 21, 2025) OTHER FISCAL IMPACT The proposed legislation will require updates to the Department of Safety’s A-List software system and changes in handgun permit design and implementation. It is assumed that these updates can be accomplished by the vendors under current contractual agreements without a need for additional expenditures. However, if the scope of work required by this and other legislation subsequently enacted exhausts the relevant contract provisions, the proposed legislation could result in an increase in state expenditures of $142,600 in FY25-26. HB1189 – R. Grills – 04/03/25 – Set for House Judiciary Committee 04/08/25.
SB1191 Akbari R.	Akilah’s Law. Enacts “Akilah’s Law,” which creates the offense of selling, offering to sell, delivering, or transferring a firearm to a person knowing the person has been a patient in a mental institution at any time within the previous five years. Fiscal Note: (Dated March 12, 2025) NOT SIGNIFICANT. HB947 – S. Brooks – 04/03/25 – Set for House Judiciary Committee 04/08/25.

Wednesday, April 9:

11AM – HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, House Hearing Room I, Agenda & Livestream

·       Will continue working through bills from Tuesday’s calendar.

Safer TN hosts a legislative breakfast

Last week, Safer TN hosted a warm and welcoming breakfast at the Capitol for lawmakers, their legislative assistants, and the hardworking staff who help uphold the security and decorum of the building. These individuals play a critical role in the legislative process, and it’s important to us that they know who we are, what we stand for, and why we’re here. Events like this are part of our broader effort to foster constructive relationships, build trust, and create space for meaningful conversations around firearm safety—regardless of political affiliation.

We believe that showing up matters. That consistency, respect, and presence speak volumes. By showing up in a positive, solutions-oriented way, we’re making it clear that Safer TN—and the thousands of Tennesseans we represent—is here to stay. We’ll continue advocating at the Capitol through the end of session, ensuring that the voices of parents, educators, faith leaders, healthcare providers, and responsible gun owners are heard loud and clear.

Walkin’ in Memphis

Safer TN had a deeply productive 36-hour trip to Memphis last week, where we met with influential faith leaders, healthcare professionals, and members of the business community—all united by a shared concern: the toll gun violence continues to take on their city. At Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital alone, 160 children were treated for gunshot wounds in 2024. Already this year, more than 30 young patients have come through their doors for the same reason. Just last week, two Memphis children accidentally shot and killed themselves in separate incidents.

Tragic stories like these are far too common—and they’re fueling a growing coalition in the Bluff City that’s ready to act. Pastors we met with emphasized the urgent need to bridge the harmful perception that gun violence is solely an urban issue. They want to reframe the narrative and build unity around the fact that this is a community issue—one that impacts everyone and requires all voices at the table, especially as rural firearm deaths continue to rise. Meanwhile, business leaders shared their desire to be heard by decision-makers at the Capitol, calling for safer communities where families can thrive and businesses can operate without fear.

What we saw in Memphis was not just heartbreak—it was momentum. Leaders across sectors are eager to partner with Safer TN on expanding firearm safety education and secure storage awareness in meaningful, community-rooted ways. We’re honored to walk alongside them.

Youth turkey hunting season and camo hats!

This past weekend marked Tennessee’s Youth Turkey Hunting Season, and we hope all young hunters had a fun, safe experience out in the field! In Tennessee, youth hunting is regulated to ensure safety and promote responsible practices. Youth hunters must be ages 6-16, be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, and the allowed hunting equipment includes shotguns with No. 4 shot or smaller, archery gear, and Airbows. This season provides a great opportunity for families to spend time outdoors while instilling important traditions of safety and stewardship in our next generation of hunters.

Our Safer TN camo hats are now available in our online store! Grab yours today and show your support for safe, responsible hunting—and for a safer Tennessee. Shop the look in our online store today!