Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB1360

Introduced
2/6/25  
Engrossed
4/15/25  
Enrolled
4/17/25  
Passed
5/2/25  

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of SB 1360 would significantly amend state laws regarding weapons and firearms by limiting the circumstances under which civil liability actions can be pursued against manufacturers and sellers. Specifically, the bill establishes that no recovery can be made against these entities for the criminal misuse of their products by third parties. This could effectively reduce the liability of firearm manufacturers and sellers in the state, fostering an environment where they are less susceptible to lawsuits resulting from misuse of firearms by others, thus potentially increasing accessibility to firearms and related products.

Summary

Senate Bill 1360 aims to amend existing provisions within the Tennessee Code Annotated related to firearms and their regulation. The bill proposes to redefine several key terms associated with firearms, such as 'firearm', 'manufacturer', and 'qualified product', while also introducing stricter guidelines for civil liability actions against dealers, manufacturers, or sellers of qualified products. This includes stipulations that a civil action must directly link damages to the actions of the seller and that the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff to show that their claim is not precluded by the bill's provisions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 1360 appears to be divisive. Proponents of the bill argue that it protects constitutional rights and encourages a robust market for firearms, aligning with individual rights to bear arms. Conversely, critics may view the bill as a shield for manufacturers against accountability, potentially prioritizing commercial interests over public safety concerns. The debate over this bill reflects broader national discussions concerning gun control, liability, and the rights of manufacturers versus the needs of communities impacted by gun violence.

Contention

Notable points of contention concerning SB 1360 include the potential weakening of legal recourse for victims of gun violence who may seek compensation from manufacturers or sellers. The bill's definition of a 'qualified product' and its implications for what constitutes lawful liability may spark significant debate regarding accountability in the firearms industry. Additionally, the stipulation that any foreign judgments against manufacturers must comply with Tennessee's public policy adds a layer of complexity regarding interstate legal matters, a point that may be vigorously contested in legal and public forums.

Companion Bills

TN HB0873

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

Previously Filed As

TN HB0873

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.