Bill > SB1360

This bill amends Tennessee law to expand protections for weapons manufacturers, dealers, and sellers by modifying civil liability provisions. The bill broadens the definition of "qualified products" to include items like knives, body armor, pepper spray, silencers, and firearm accessories, and makes it more difficult to sue these businesses for damages related to criminal misuse of their products. Specifically, the bill requires plaintiffs to prove by "clear and convincing evidence" that a civil liability action is not barred, and it mandates that any lawsuit directly demonstrate how a manufacturer or seller directly caused damages. The legislation also establishes a state public policy that protects the right to bear arms by limiting legal actions against weapons-related businesses, and it includes provisions that make it challenging to enforce out-of-state judgments against such businesses. Additionally, the bill modifies local government regulations concerning firearms, restricting their ability to create certain ordinances related to weapons. The changes aim to create a more robust marketplace for arms and accessories while providing significant legal protections for businesses in the weapons industry, with the modifications set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1360&ga=114