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This week, Safer TN is excited about a newly launched Ad Council campaign focused on raising awareness and building support to address the rising rates of youth firearm deaths in our nation. We’ve also been actively engaged down at the Legislature, and are continuing our visits to community organizations across the state.

The Legislative session is in full swing. Increasingly, we are seeing firearms bills being rolled to a special firearms calendar that will go before the House Civil Justice Subcommittee at the end of March and the Senate Judiciary Committee at the beginning of April. We’ll keep you updated as this schedule comes into focus. In the meantime, there are several key bills we are watching this week, including legislation authorizing a study on the impact of the state’s firearm laws, and a concerning bill that would allow permit holders to carry in posted places of business with no penalty for failing to follow property owners’ rules.

Below, you’ll find descriptions of the bills, links to the full text, and details on the committee hearings, including dates, times, and livestream links.

Tuesday, March 11:

3 p.m. CT – Senate Judiciary Committee, Senate Hearing Room I, Agenda & Livestream

• SB1244 by Massey. (HB1210 by Keisling.) Firearms and Ammunition – Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 6. As introduced, requires, if the respondent on an order of protection dispossesses firearms by transferring possession to a third party who is not prohibited from possessing firearms, the respondent to specify the third party and the physical address where all firearms are located on the affidavit of firearms dispossession form; requires the third party to sign the affidavit of firearms dispossession form to acknowledge receipt of the firearms.

3 p.m. CT – House Education Administration Subcommittee, House Hearing Rm III, Agenda & Livestream

• HB0933 by Parkinson. (*SB0814 by Gardenhire.) Education, Dept. of – Amends TCA Title 49. As introduced, requires the department to establish and administer a three-year artificial intelligence weapons detection system grant pilot program to award grants to eligible LEAs for the purchase of artificial intelligence weapons detection systems for schools without an artificial intelligence weapons detection system.

Wednesday, March 12:

9 a.m. – House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, House Hearing Room II, Agenda & Livestream

• HB1093 by Sexton. (*SB1075 by Johnson.) Safety, Dept. of – Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40. As introduced, extends, from 10 to 15 days, the amount of written notice of the hearing date and time the department must provide to a person requesting a hearing on the department’s suspension or revocation of the person’s handgun carry permit.
• HB1177 by Williams. (*SB0963 by Hatcher.)
  Criminal Procedure – Amends TCA Title 33; Title 40 and Title 52. As introduced, removes the requirement that any misdemeanor charges against a person found incompetent to stand trial due to mental illness or developmental disability must be retired within 11 months, 29 days after the date of arrest.
• HB0478 by Butler. (*SB0441 by Bailey.) Firearms and Ammunition – Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. As introduced, specifies that a person does not commit an offense if the person possesses or carries a firearm into an area that is posted if, upon the request of an individual authorized to control access to the property, the person immediately leaves the property or stores the firearm in a personal vehicle in accordance with state law.
• HB0588 by Butler. (*SB0243 by Bailey.) Criminal Offenses – Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 1; Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13 and Title 40. As introduced, creates a Class E felony for altering or defacing a permanent distinguishing number on a firearm and selling, purchasing, or possessing such a firearm with a mandatory minimum sentence of 180 days incarceration.
• HB0468 by Reeves. (*SB0163 by Hensley.) Criminal Offenses – Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 1. As introduced, increases the penalty for reckless endangerment when the offense is committed by discharging a firearm or antique firearm into a motor vehicle from a Class E felony to a Class C felony, if the motor vehicle is occupied, or a Class D felony, if the motor vehicle is unoccupied.
• HB1392 by Pearson. (*SB1348 by Akbari.)
  Firearms and Ammunition – Amends TCA Title 39. As introduced, deletes the exception to the criminal offense of unlawfully carrying a firearm with intent to go armed for persons who lawfully possess a handgun, are in a place where the person is lawfully present, and are at least 21 years old or 18 years old with certain military service.

10:30 a.m. – House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee, House Hearing Room III, Agenda & Livestream

• HB0514 by Gillespie. (*SB0379 by Walley.) Firearms and Ammunition – Amends TCA Title 37; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40. As introduced, requires TACIR to perform a study on the impact of this state’s firearm laws on each county’s firearm sales, criminal offenses, and use of firearms for self-defense, as well as identifying the similarities and dissimilarities between the impacts on each county.

12 p.m. – House Judiciary Committee, House Hearing Room I, Agenda & Livestream

• HB0578 by Doggett. (SB1082 by Johnson.) Criminal Offenses – Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13. As introduced, adds certain criminal offenses 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.
• HB0587 by Scarbrough. (SB0657 by Hensley.) Criminal Offenses – Amends TCA Title 39. As introduced, 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.
• HB0184 by Hardaway. (SB0389 by Taylor.) Criminal Offenses – Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13 and Title 40, Chapter 35. As introduced, creates a Class C felony of reckless endangerment involving community terrorism, which is committed against a population within a geographic territory by members of a criminal gang or within 1,000 feet of a school or park; requires the sentencing court to revoke or prohibit the issuance of a driver license to individuals convicted of such offense for a five-year period following conviction.

3 p.m. – Senate Education Committee, Senate Hearing Room I, Agenda & Livestream

• SB0470 by Harshbarger. (*HB0399 by Bricken.) Education – Amends TCA Title 12 and Title 49. Enacts the “Protecting Tennessee Schools and Events Act.” Requires the department of education to establish a pilot program to award protecting Tennessee schools and events assistance grants to LEAs located in counties identified as distressed or at-risk by the economic and community development’s performance metrics for the fiscal year 2025, using funds appropriated by the general appropriations act for such purpose. Specifies the primary purpose of the grants is to assist LEAs located in counties identified as distressed or at-risk in purchasing portable walk-through metal detectors

Why hasn’t sizable change happened yet?

It’s a question we hear often, and we understand the frustration. The reality is that change—especially when it comes to firearm safety—takes time, persistence, and sustained public pressure. But there’s reason for hope.

In 2023, Governor Bill Lee publicly recognized the urgent need for action and introduced a proposal for an Order of Protection law designed to prevent those in crisis from accessing firearms. While the General Assembly did not pass this measure, its introduction was a significant step forward. Even more encouraging, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are now engaging in real discussions about firearm safety—something that was nearly unthinkable just a few years ago.

This shift didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of tireless advocacy from Tennesseans like you who continue to demand change. The momentum is building, but we can’t let up now.

📺 Watch the video we made under “The Situation in Tennessee” to learn more about where we stand and what’s next.

Ad Council launches “Agree to Agree” campaign to drive nonpartisan action on firearm safety

The Ad Council recently launched its Agree to Agree campaign, a national initiative designed to spur nonpartisan action around preventing firearm tragedies, especially among youth. The campaign takes a public health approach to addressing firearm injuries—now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S. This first-of-its-kind effort unites leaders across healthcare, business, marketing, and media to drive meaningful change, proving that common ground exists when it comes to protecting young lives.

Although firearm safety is often framed as a divisive issue, research shows that many Americans—both gun owners and non-gun owners—agree on solutions, especially when it comes to safeguarding children. Agree to Agree builds on this shared understanding, offering concrete steps for individuals to take action. The campaign aims to reach key audiences: parents, caregivers, and community members, as well as healthcare professionals, who are trusted messengers in addressing firearm-related risks.

As part of the initiative, the Ad Council has released a powerful new PSA directed by award-winning filmmaker Lauren Greenfield. Featuring real students and parents, the PSA shifts the conversation from debate to consensus, reinforcing the shared responsibility we all have in preventing gun violence. Viewers are encouraged to visit AgreeToAgree.org to learn more, access conversation guides, and take steps toward change.

Leadership Music Spotlights Voices for a Safer Tennessee

We are honored that Leadership Music’s Year of Giving Generously has chosen to spotlight Voices for a Safer Tennessee as a nonprofit making a difference in our community. This initiative helps educate Leadership Music alumni about organizations working to create meaningful change, and we are grateful to Jackie Jones of the Recording Industry Association of America for nominating us.

Here’s what Jackie had to say:

We invite Leadership Music alumni and the broader music community to join us in our efforts. You can get involved by:

1. Joining our coalition to stay informed and take action.
2. Attending legislative sessions in March and April—email carolyn@safertn.org for details.
3. Wearing your support—shop our merch to help fund education and advocacy efforts.
4. Donating to support our mission at safertn.org/donate.

Thank you to Leadership Music for amplifying our work and helping us build a safer Tennessee for all.

Safer TN understands that real change happens through community partnerships and conversation. We had the honor of joining the Kiwanis Club of Jefferson County via Zoom this week, where Safer TN Executive Director Claudia Huskey and Policy Director Erin Rogus presented on firearm safety education and policy. Using data-driven insights, they highlighted the urgent need to implement common-sense measures that protect our youngest Tennesseans. Kiwanis has long been committed to improving the lives of children, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them to create a safer future.

We also gathered this week with supporters at the Veronica Beard Galentine’s Shopping Event 2025 at Veronica Beard in Nashville’s Green Hills area. This event was not just about fashion—it was about taking meaningful steps toward safer communities. Attendees shopped with purpose, with proceeds benefiting Voices for a Safer Tennessee’s efforts to advance firearm safety. We are deeply thankful to everyone who participated, as well as to Veronica Beard for hosting. Your support makes a real impact, and together, we are driving change.