Bill > HB2514

This bill makes several changes to Tennessee law regarding weapons, including redefining "firearm" and "deadly force," and establishing a presumption of justification for using deadly force when defending one's property against unlawful entry and refusal to leave, with specific exceptions. It also introduces a broad immunity from criminal prosecution for the justifiable use of force, outlining procedures for investigations, charging decisions, and pre-trial hearings to determine justification, and allows law enforcement officers to claim this justification defense. The bill revises regulations for carrying weapons in court buildings, requiring specific signage to prohibit firearms and detailing exceptions for certain individuals, and modifies rules for carrying weapons in K-12 schools and on school buses, generally prohibiting firearms unless specific signage is posted, though it allows firearms in private vehicles on school property under certain conditions and exempts various individuals and situations. Additionally, it clarifies that a threat to use deadly force is not considered use of deadly force unless certain conditions are met for private citizens, and it removes prohibitions on carrying firearms in universities and non-K-12 educational institutions, allowing adults not otherwise prohibited to carry firearms on these campuses, and also permits carrying firearms in state and local parks and certain federal recreational areas. The bill also amends laws related to juveniles possessing firearms, carrying handguns while under the influence, and the recertification process for retired law enforcement officers carrying firearms.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2514&ga=114