Safer TN Tracker | 3.10.26 - Voices for a Safer Tennessee

Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is rolling out new tools and initiatives to help you stay informed and engaged during this legislative session.

From a new bill tracker on our website to text message alerts and expanded community outreach, we’re working to make it easier for you to stay connected to our work across Tennessee.

In the coming weeks, we’ll also begin sharing opportunities to volunteer at events across the state. Here’s what we’re tracking right now.

#1 What We’re Tracking: New Bill Tracking Tool on Our Website

From Safer TN Policy Advisor Jennifer Hellmer

We’re excited to launch Safer TN’s new Legislative Spotlight section on our Advocacy website. This tool provides a snapshot of the bills we are tracking and engaging with during the current session.

Support: Safer TN’s lobbyists are actively working to help pass these bills.
Oppose: Safer TN’s lobbyists are actively working to stop these bills.
Monitor: We are reviewing these bills and may move them into “support” or “oppose” as more information becomes available.

So far, there has been limited movement on firearm legislation, as many bills have been deferred or are still awaiting committee hearings. We expect more activity in the coming weeks.

While many proposals relate to community safety, Safer TN remains focused on our key priorities: background checks, temporary transfers, secure firearm storage, and legislation impacting school safety.

We’re working closely with our lobbyists and Board to determine the best strategy for each bill. As a member of our coalition, you play an important role. We’ll continue sharing updates and will reach out if specific legislation would benefit from outreach to lawmakers.

#2 What We’re Tracking: Safer TN Now Has Text Messaging

In the coming weeks, you may receive a text message from Safer TN. These messages will share updates about events in your area, volunteer opportunities, and other important information related to our work.

We will not send frequent messages, and you can opt out at any time. If you receive a message from an 833 number, it is from us and not a scam.

If you’d like to get started now, you can opt in by filling out this form. We’re excited to start connecting with you in this new way!

#3 What We’re Tracking: Expanding Cable Lock and Hospital-Based Education

Safer TN has partnered with two hospital systems to distribute firearm safety information cards and cable locks to parents of newborns. This effort was recently highlighted in local news coverage in Chattanooga, helping raise awareness about the importance of secure firearm storage for families across Tennessee.

Secure storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent unintentional shootings, youth access to firearms, and firearm theft. Providing parents with simple tools and information helps ensure firearms are stored safely — protecting children and reducing the risk of tragedy.

This effort continues to grow. In the coming months, we expect to expand distribution into additional hospitals, healthcare providers’ offices, and other settings where families can access important firearm safety information. Stay tuned.

#4 What We’re Tracking: More Events Than Ever

Safer TN is on track to participate in more events this year than ever before, especially with the addition of our coalition coordinators in East Tennessee, Southeast Tennessee, and West Tennessee.

This work is critical. We are focused on reaching voters across Tennessee, so that when the time comes, we can mobilize people to contact their lawmakers about firearm safety measures.

You can help. Soon we will begin posting volunteer sign-ups for events across the state.

In the meantime, if you’d like to get involved, please email Katy Dieckhaus, our Community Engagement Coordinator, to let her know you’re interested. You can also reach out directly to your region’s coalition coordinator.

West Tennessee: Lauren Fortenberry
Southeast Tennessee: Emily Holden
East Tennessee: Nycole Gentry

Other upcoming events include: