Bill > HB0947

This bill, known as "Akilah's Law," creates a new criminal offense in Tennessee related to firearm transfers involving individuals with recent mental health treatment histories. Specifically, the law makes it illegal to sell, offer to sell, deliver, or transfer a firearm to a person who has been a patient in a mental institution within the past five years. The bill defines "mental institution" broadly as any hospital, clinic, or facility primarily used for treating mental illness, and "patient in a mental institution" includes both voluntary and involuntary admissions, with a narrow exception for voluntary treatment solely for alcohol abuse disorder. The law provides detailed definitions to clarify the scope of the prohibition, aimed at preventing firearm access for individuals who have recently received intensive mental health treatment. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving time for implementation and public awareness. By creating this specific legal restriction, the law seeks to add an additional layer of safety regulations around firearm transfers for individuals with recent significant mental health treatment experiences.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0947&ga=114