In this blog, we’ll explore key Tennessee gun laws that are crucial for responsible gun ownership, including SB 2628, HB0786, and SB0921, which pertain to owning a short-barreled rifle, acquiring a suppressor in Tennessee, and the right to constitutional carry.
Tennessee SBR Law: Understanding SB 2628
Are Short-Barreled Rifles Legal in Tennessee?
In 2022, Governor Bill Lee signed SB 2628 into law, removing short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and shotguns from Tennessee’s “restricted weapons” list. Despite this change, SBRs remain subject to regulation under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Since the NFA is enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), you might wonder if a tax stamp is still required for SBRs in Tennessee. The answer is yes—SBRs and short-barreled shotguns (SBSs) are still governed by the NFA, meaning that a tax stamp is necessary. Although Tennessee law enforcement agencies won’t specifically enforce SBR restrictions, federal agencies will continue to ensure compliance with NFA regulations. According to the ATF, a short-barreled rifle is defined as a firearm with a barrel length of less than 16 inches, while a short-barreled shotgun is defined as having a barrel length of less than 18 inches.
Constitutional Carry in Tennessee: What You Need to Know
What is Constitutional Carry in Tennessee?
Tennessee residents' right to carry firearms was reinforced with the passage of HB0786 on April 12, 2021. This legislation allows Tennessee residents aged 21 or older (or 18 or older for certain military personnel) to carry a handgun, either openly or concealed, without the need for a state-issued permit. The law went into effect on July 1, 2021, and Speaker Cameron Sexton (R) praised it, stating, “This legislation ensures that law-abiding citizens have a constitutional right to carry their handgun.” Prior to this, gun owners in Tennessee had to undergo special training and obtain a license to carry a pistol. Looking ahead, another pro-Second Amendment law, HB2524, is under discussion. Known as “True Constitutional Carry,” this proposed legislation would expand firearm carry laws to include rifles and shotguns, with further debate expected in late 2022.
Are Suppressors Legal in Tennessee?
Understanding Suppressor Laws in Tennessee
Suppressors are regulated by the ATF under federal law, and this holds true in Tennessee. In line with their approach to SBRs, Tennessee’s legislature lifted state-level restrictions on suppressors with the passage of SB0921—The Tennessee Hearing Protection Act, which was signed by Governor Bill Haslam (R) and took effect on July 1, 2017. This act made it legal to use suppressors for various activities, including target shooting and hunting. However, it’s important to remember that violating the NFA is a serious offense, carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to $250,000, and forfeiture of all firearms. While SB0921 has made suppressors more accessible to Tennessee residents, the Form 4 process and tax stamp requirement remain in place to ensure compliance with federal law.
Conclusion
Recent legislation such as SB 2628 and HB0786 has strengthened the right to bear arms for Tennesseans, with over half of the state’s residents owning a firearm as of the writing of this article. The introduction of permitless carry has enshrined the right to bear arms in Tennessee, removing the need for government-issued permits. Although SB 2628 and HB0786 have led some residents to question the legality of NFA items in Tennessee, it’s clear that SBRs, SBSs, and suppressors are all legal under state law, albeit still subject to ATF oversight. Tennessee's proactive approach to gun law reform has been well-received by its citizens, contributing to a significant increase in gun ownership since 2020.
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