Bill > HB1757

This bill creates a new offense for recklessly discharging a firearm into the air, ground, a body of water, or an object near the shooter if it occurs at a public gathering or event with at least 25 people present, classifying this as a Class A misdemeanor, which is a serious but less severe criminal offense. The bill, which amends Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Title 39, outlines several exceptions to this new law, including when law enforcement officers or military personnel are acting in their official duties, when discharging a firearm to lawfully take wildlife with a permit, for nuisance wildlife control, at a designated sport shooting range, or in defense of oneself, another person, or a domestic animal against an animal attack. The bill also makes a technical amendment to another section of the TCA to include this new offense and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.