Safer TN Tracker

As summer winds down, Safer TN is tracking key developments impacting safety across Tennessee. This month, we’re highlighting two newly signed firearm safety laws and sharing new resources to help families talk about and securely store firearms.

At the same time, alarming trends continue: gun thefts are rising in Nashville, and new research places Tennessee in the nation’s growing “suicide belt,” highlighting the urgent need for rural mental health investment. Read on for more.

#1 What We’re Tracking: Firearm safety laws signed by Governor Lee

On July 1, Governor Bill Lee signed several new public safety laws, including some we closely tracked at Safer TN: a ban on Glock switches, stricter penalties for road rage shootings, and a new law criminalizing credible threats of mass violence.

Glock switches are small devices that turn handguns into illegal machine guns capable of firing up to 1,000 rounds per minute. The new law—championed by House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senate Speaker Jack Johnson—elevates possession to a Class C felony. Earlier this year, we met with Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp, who shared the devastating impact of these devices in her community. The law also strengthens penalties for drive-by shootings, including road rage incidents. This is especially urgent after a recent case in which two people were arrested for killing a 22-year-old on I-24. Data also shows that Tennessee ranks among the top three states for armed road rage incidents.

Another new law broadens Tennessee’s criminal code to address credible threats of mass violence. Sponsored by Rep. William Lamberth and Sen. Jack Johnson, it raises penalties for those with prior convictions and requires threats to meet a standard of credibility, determined by law enforcement. It also includes protections against online doxxing.

This law builds on last year’s legislation criminalizing threats against schools by expanding the scope to include places of worship, government offices, and live events. It introduces a clearer standard of intent and credibility, increases penalties, and expands where charges can be applied.

Both laws represent meaningful progress in making Tennessee communities safer, and we’re proud to have supported their passage.

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#2 What We’re Tracking: New firearm safety resources available!

Safer TN has added two important new pages to our website focused on firearm safety: one on how to talk about guns with children and other adults, and another on how to securely store firearms. These resources are designed to help families approach these conversations with confidence, clarity, and care.

Talking to children about firearms doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just like conversations about fire safety or stranger danger, it’s about being clear, consistent, and age-appropriate. We also provide practical tips for starting safety conversations with other parents before playdates. These discussions that may feel uncomfortable in the moment but are essential for protecting children.

Our other resource, focused on secure storage, outlines best practices for safely securing guns in the home and in vehicles, drawing on guidance from firearms and medical experts. These steps can help prevent accidental injuries. Both pages were thoughtfully compiled by Safer TN staff, with support from our interns, and are designed to encourage responsible gun ownership and open, safety-focused dialogue.

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#3 What We’re Tracking: Guns stolen from Nashville belong to owners both in and out of Davidson County

Recent news reports reveal that more than 500 guns have been stolen in Nashville so far this year, averaging nearly three per day. In response, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake announced a new community dashboard that allows residents to track where gun thefts are happening across Davidson County. “I encourage our residents to use this information to see where thefts are occurring and as a constant reminder to safeguard guns and belongings,” Chief Drake told WSMV.

The dashboard shows most guns are stolen from vehicles, followed by buildings and then individuals. According to Metro Nashville Police, most guns reported stolen are nearly evenly split between owners who live inside Davidson County and those who live outside the county limits.

Numbers shared with Safer TN show that 48.4% of the guns stolen so far this year are from Davidson County owners and 49.1% are from out of county residents. That means whether gun owners are from Nashville or not, they are being targeted equally and are equally not securing their firearms.

As of mid-July, MNPD reports 541 guns have been stolen from vehicles alone in 2025—an 18% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

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#4 What We’re Tracking: Tennessee now part of expanding national “Suicide Belt”

#4 What We’re Tracking: Tennessee now part of expanding national “Suicide Belt”

New research from East Tennessee State University has identified Tennessee as part of the growing national “suicide belt”, a region of the country with disproportionately high suicide rates that stretches from West Virginia to Nevada. While this term has appeared in studies since at least 2008, researchers say the belt is expanding, and Tennessee’s inclusion is driven largely by challenges in rural communities.

Researchers cited several key risk factors contributing to higher suicide rates in these areas, including limited access to mental health care, stigma around seeking help, poverty, isolation, and lack of transportation. Certain professions, such as agricultural work, are also linked to increased risk. Alarmingly, 91 of Tennessee’s 95 counties are designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as having a shortage of mental health professionals. Only Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, and Sumner counties are not.

“We found out the Western states have a very high suicide rate, but we didn’t expect Tennessee to fall into the suicide belt,” Dr. Qian Huang, a professor at ETSU’s Center for Rural Health and Research, told News 2. “But considering Tennessee has a lot of rural areas, we could narrow that down.”

Dr. Aaron Brinen, assistant professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt, emphasized to News 2 the importance of investing in mental health as both an economic and moral imperative: “Effective interventions cost so little and help people get back to the life they want. When individuals recover, they return to work, come off Medicaid or Medicare, and reclaim their lives. It’s one of the most cost-effective things a state can do.”

Safer TN is proud to celebrate two years of advocacy, action, and impact. Born out of tragedy but built on hope, our organization was founded by Tennesseans united in a shared goal: creating a safer state for all. Today, that mission is stronger than ever. 

Learn more about Safer TN’s successes, activities and future directions by joining our live informational webinar tomorrow. We’ll answer your questions, brief you on our growing calendar of presentations and events statewide, and share exciting news about expanding our team—and our reach. Thank you for being part of this growing movement.

Safer TN Spring Webinar

Join us Wednesday, May 21 at noon CT / 1 p.m. ET for a free webinar, where we’ll take you behind the scenes of our work this spring and give you a deeper look at what’s next.

During this legislative session, we successfully advocated for several firearm safety bills that are now law—important public safety wins that will help protect more Tennesseans. At the same time, we fought hard to stop several concerning bills that could have increased risk in our communities. We’ll talk about the strategy behind our work at the Capitol, the relationships we’re building, and how this momentum is helping to fuel a growing movement. Beyond policy, we’ll share how our education and outreach efforts are expanding and how our supporters—like you—are powering this work through generous donations and advocacy.

We covered some of this in our recent press release, but this webinar is your opportunity to ask questions directly and hear from our leadership team. We’ll also go more in-depth on some exciting expansion news, including plans to grow our team and extend our reach even further.

Whether you’re new to Safer TN or one of our longtime supporters, we hope you’ll join us to stay informed, inspired, and engaged in the work ahead, make sure you register for the webinar here.You will receive a Zoom link via email before the webinar begins. Ask your questions by filling out this form. We’ll answer as many as we can. 

Safer TN’s Second Anniversary Celebration

Musicians at Safer TN at Second Anniversary Celebration/Reed Smythe Shopping Event

Safer TN recently celebrated its second anniversary, marking two years of tireless advocacy, growth, and progress toward building a safer future for all Tennesseans. We were honored to commemorate this milestone at the beautiful home of Board Member Clay Richards and his wife, Amy, surrounded by passionate supporters, dedicated volunteers, and friends of the movement. The evening was a heartfelt reminder of how far we’ve come and how much power there is in community.

In addition to our anniversary celebration, we were thrilled to gather with supporters earlier this month at Reed Smythe & Company in Nashville, a local favorite known for its elegant Southern-inspired home goods, which generously donated a portion of sale proceeds to Safer TN. It was a wonderful way to connect with both new and longtime advocates in a beautiful, serene setting.

Your donation powers real change by funding lifesaving education for Tennesseans, data-driven firearm safety research, PSA campaigns, and the distribution of gun locks to new parents. It’s not too late to make an impact — donate now.

From the East to the West

Safer TN has had an impactful and energizing month on the road, connecting with communities across the state and building momentum for lasting change. In Lawrenceburg, we had the opportunity to speak with local leaders and members of the Rotary Club, who welcomed us warmly and shared their commitment to safer communities. Next up: we’re headed to Dyersburg on Friday to continue these conversations.

One of the highlights of the month was a powerful forum in Memphis, hosted by Hope Church and the Memphis Christian Pastors Network. More than 200 attendees gathered to hear from a panel that included Safer TN leadership, law enforcement, and community members personally impacted by firearm tragedies. The discussion highlighted both the urgency of the firearm violence crisis and the shared determination to find real, workable solutions.

Encouragingly, Memphis has seen significant progress in reducing violent crime—reporting double-digit declines across several categories last year, including a 30% drop in murders. City officials attribute this progress to strategic reforms within the Memphis Police Department and increased collaboration across sectors. While serious challenges remain, these results underscore what’s possible when civic leaders, law enforcement, and community organizations like Safer TN work together.

We also hosted a luncheon to thank our incredible legislative volunteers, whose tireless support has powered our advocacy at the Capitol. As we look ahead to a pivotal election year, we’ll need even more help—especially from our friends in rural and suburban communities. We’re growing, and we need you with us.

Want us to speak to your Chamber of Commerce, PTO, Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Club, or other group (in person or via Zoom)? We’d love to! DM us or email emily@safertn.org to get something started.

A successful legislative session has come to a close — and we’re proud of the meaningful progress made this year. (We’ll share more details on that below!) With the legislative season wrapping up, The Tracker is transitioning to a monthly format. This change allows us to deliver more thoughtful updates, highlight big-picture progress, and keep you informed without crowding your inbox.

But don’t worry — you won’t be out of the loop! We’ll still send timely email alerts about what’s happening in your area, upcoming events, and other important developments. And as always, you can stay connected with us in real time on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Thank you for being part of this movement — your voice, engagement, and support continue to drive change.

Celebrating Progress: Safer TN Reflects on a Powerful Legislative Session

Safer TN believes in turning urgency into action — and the 2025 legislative session was a powerful example of that.

Over the course of just 90 days, we helped advocate for policies that create safer communities and helped stop dangerous legislation that would have put more lives at risk. Thanks to our volunteers, partners, and supporters, we’re proud to share some key wins and milestones from this session.

In collaboration with law enforcement, lawmakers and prosecutors, we successfully advocated for several measures that passed with strong bipartisan backing:

• Banning Glock switches, which turn handguns into fully automatic weapons
• Prohibiting felons from possessing ammunition
• Strengthening sentencing for drive-by shootings
• Criminalizing threats of mass violence

We also stopped legislation that would have made Tennesseans less safe — like bills weakening security at schools, hospitals, and houses of worship. With growing bipartisan support, we helped stop these bills before they could do harm.

Read our full press release here.

$50K to $2 Million — and Counting

Thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters across Tennessee — and a matching gift from Memphis philanthropist Barbara Hyde — we’re thrilled to share that Safer TN raised more than $65,000 in just 50 hours, far surpassing our $50,000 goal.

This marks a major milestone: we’ve now raised over $2 million since our founding.

Your support powers work that saves lives, including:

• Education and outreach to more than 30,000 Tennesseans, sharing practical, nonpolitical tips for safe firearm storage and responsible ownership.
• Billboard campaigns seen by millions, reminding parents, communities, and gun owners how small actions — like locking up firearms — prevent tragedies.
• Distribution of gun locks and secure storage information to new parents and caregivers across the state.
• Data-driven research and polling that will give lawmakers and community members the information they need to shape smart, effective safety policies.
• PSA campaigns and digital outreach that will bring firearm suicide prevention and safe storage tips into homes and communities statewide.

We’re deeply grateful to every one of you who helped make this milestone possible. Your generosity is more than a number — it’s fuel for a growing, statewide movement for a safer Tennessee.

It’s not too late to make a difference. Donate now to support this lifesaving work and help us keep the momentum going. Every gift is tax-deductible and directly supports education, outreach, and advocacy across our state.

You can learn more about how your donation dollars work by clicking here.

Trippin’ in Tennessee

Over the past month, the Safer TN team has been on the road — meeting with Tennesseans from all walks of life to discuss practical, lifesaving solutions to firearm violence. These visits are central to our mission: bringing data, education, and community-driven strategies directly to the people who care deeply about safety in their neighborhoods.

In Memphis, we had the opportunity to connect with faith, business, and civic leaders to discuss the unique challenges their communities face and the ways we can work together to build a safer future. We also shared strategies for secure firearm storage and emphasized how simple, voluntary actions can save lives.

In Chattanooga, we spoke at the Avondale Community Center, where we joined local residents for a meaningful conversation about firearm tragedy prevention. We were inspired by the level of community engagement and the commitment to finding common ground.

This past week, we traveled to Clarksville, Clinton, and downtown Nashville, continuing our outreach and speaking with partners and residents about how education and awareness can drive real change.

We’ve also been in touch with community leaders in Knoxville, where we’re planning a community-focused event this June. 

Everywhere we go, we’re reminded that Tennesseans want safety solutions. They want to protect their families, neighbors, and communities — and they’re eager to learn how they can help.

If you’re part of a Chamber of Commerce, PTO, Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions Club, or other civic group, and you’re interested in hosting a conversation about firearm safety, we’d love to connect. Whether in person or via Zoom, we’re here to bring the tools, data, and hope that can move us toward a safer Tennessee.

To learn more or schedule a visit, reach out to us at emily@safertn.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

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.