We hope your family is recovering from Winter Storm Fern. While much of the state was spared from widespread outages, some residents in Middle Tennessee are still without power. We are thinking of those continuing to deal with debris, downed lines, and the storm’s aftermath.
Lawmakers returned to the state Capitol last week. In this Tracker, we cover their return, introduce a new team member, and share a few upcoming ways to get involved with our organization.
Thank you to the nearly 300 supporters who completed our communications survey! Based on your feedback, The Tracker will arrive Tuesday mornings starting with the February 23 issue.
#1 What We’re Tracking: The Bill Filing Deadline Has Passed. Now What?
From Safer TN Policy Advisor Jennifer Hellmer
The legislature returned last week and the bill filing deadline has now passed. Our policy team is actively reviewing all legislation connected to Safer TN’s priorities. We look forward to sharing a list of bills we’re tracking in the coming weeks, along with a dedicated section on our website where you can follow legislative developments.
Something to note: our review list will likely evolve throughout the session. Bills are often amended in ways that can significantly change their impact on community safety. Among the topics we’re reviewing: property owners’ rights related to firearms, secure storage policies, and proposed changes to Tennessee’s firearm permitting laws.
The General Assembly operates on a two-year cycle, with sessions beginning in January and typically running through April or May. We are now in year two of the 114th General Assembly. Some bills are carryovers from 2025, while many others are newly introduced.
#2 What We’re Tracking: Meet Lauren – Our New Voice for West Tennessee
We are thrilled to introduce Safer TN’s newest team member, West Coalition Coordinator Lauren Fortenberry!
A Trenton native, Lauren understands the heartbeat of West Tennessee. She grew up in a family of outdoorsmen and agricultural leaders, giving her a unique, grounded perspective on our mission to promote firearm safety.
Lauren joins us from the nonprofit sector, where she managed membership, led community engagement, and coordinated events for the Mississippi Poultry Association. Throughout her career, she has focused on building bridges and expanding educational opportunities.
“I am excited to draw from my Tennessee roots and nonprofit experience to advocate, educate, and help build safer communities in West Tennessee,” says Lauren.
Lauren will focus on strengthening community partnerships and ensuring our resources reach every corner of the region. A Mississippi State alumna, she lives in her hometown of Trenton with her husband, their son Louie, and their two Scottish Terriers, Emma and Angus. Please join us in welcoming her to the Safer TN family!
#3 What We’re Tracking: On the Road, Plus Volunteer Opportunities!
Even through winter weather, Safer TN has continued to travel across the state to share resources and connect with communities about firearm safety. Last week, we attended the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association Conference.
Connecting with law enforcement is essential to our work. Sheriffs and deputies are on the front lines and bring valuable insight into safe firearm use, secure storage, and community education. Many expressed interest in continuing to partner with us on efforts to prevent firearm tragedies and improve public communication around safety. We also want to congratulate the winner of our gun safe drawing, Robertson County Sheriff Mike Van Dyke.
Upcoming events include:
- Feb. 12: Chattanooga YMCA Tabling
- Feb. 17: Hixson Kiwanis Club
- Feb. 24: Brainerd Park Neighborhood Association
- March 1: Farragut Health and Wellness Expo
#4 What We’re Tracking: Did You Know? — Tennessee By The Numbers
Tennessee tops several lists no state wants to appear on, including:
- There have been more than 100 mass shootings in the state over the past five years — roughly one every other week.
- Tennessee leads the nation in firearms stolen from vehicles.
- We rank third in the U.S. for unintentional shootings by children, and most victims are themselves children.
- Tennessee is in the top 10 nationwide for firearm homicides.
- Our firearm suicide rate is 50% higher than the U.S. average, with rural Tennesseans most impacted. Our veteran suicide rate is 34% higher than the national average.
What helps reduce risk?
Secure storage. More than half of firearms in homes with children are not stored securely. Research shows most children know where firearms are kept, and many school shootings involving minors involve guns taken from relatives’ or friends’ homes. Encouraging secure storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental shootings, theft, and suicide. Read more on our Resources page here.
- Tennessee appeals court says school shooter’s writings can be made public
- Maine becomes 22nd state with a red flag law | Association of Health Care Journalists
- Trump Pushes Gun-Rights Advocates Into a Quagmire | The Dispatch
- UPDATE: 1 killed in shooting at Dover Road apartments, suspect identified – Clarksville Now
- Tennessee man arrested after reportedly firing a weapon near linemen who were working …
- Robbery suspect shot, killed at Lakeland gas station, SCSO says – FOX 13 Memphis
