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.
