Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB0873

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/6/25  
Refer
4/2/25  
Refer
4/9/25  
Chaptered
5/13/25  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29, Chapter 42 and Title 39, relative to weapons.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the legal landscape surrounding firearms liability in Tennessee, potentially limiting the avenues through which victims of gun violence or misuse could seek redress in court. By setting the burden of proof on plaintiffs in qualified civil liability actions, it could lead to fewer successful lawsuits against gun manufacturers and sellers, which proponents argue is necessary to protect lawful businesses from frivolous claims. This shift might also embolden the firearms industry, possibly impacting public safety debates and discussions surrounding gun control.

Summary

House Bill 0873 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to weapons, specifically targeting civil liability actions against manufacturers, dealers, and sellers of qualified products, which includes firearms. The bill establishes that individuals cannot bring civil liability actions based solely on the misuse of these products by third parties, thereby reinforcing the legal shield for the firearms industry against lawsuits that might arise from unlawful uses. The legislation seeks to align with the constitutional right to bear arms while ensuring a robust market for firearms and associated products.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 0873 appears to be strongly supportive among gun rights advocates and industry representatives who view it as a necessary measure to safeguard Second Amendment rights. Conversely, opponents are likely to criticize it as an attempt to undermine accountability within the firearms industry, expressing concerns that it could exacerbate issues related to gun violence. This polarizing sentiment reflects broader national discussions about gun rights and regulation, where there is a stark divide between advocates for gun control and those supporting unfettered access to firearms.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 0873 include debates over public safety versus individual rights. Critics argue that shielding gun manufacturers from liability could discourage responsible business practices and weaken incentives to manufacture safer products. Additionally, there is concern that the protections offered in this bill could hinder efforts to address the consequences of firearm misuse and lead to further public harm. Therefore, the bill is positioned at the intersection of legislative action and societal impacts concerning gun ownership and safety within communities.

Companion Bills

TN SB1360

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29, Chapter 42 and Title 39, relative to weapons.

Previously Filed As

TN SB1360

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29, Chapter 42 and Title 39, relative to weapons.

TN HB2064

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65, relative to weapons.

TN SB2467

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65, relative to weapons.

TN SB0607

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, relative to firearms.

TN HB2514

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 55 and Title 65, relative to weapons.

TN SB2478

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 55 and Title 65, relative to weapons.

TN SB1629

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 49; Title 50 and Title 55, relative to weapons.

TN HB1390

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 38 and Title 39, Chapter 17, relative to firearms.

TN SB1350

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 38 and Title 39, Chapter 17, relative to firearms.

TN HB0563

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13, relative to firearms.

Similar Bills

TN HB2560

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB2248

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB0806

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB1237

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 21; Title 9; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to state entities.