Bill > SB2379

This bill, known as the "Reckless Bullet Prevention Act," creates a new offense for recklessly discharging a firearm into the air, ground, water, or an object near people, classifying it as a Class A misdemeanor, which is a serious but less severe criminal offense than a felony. The bill outlines several exceptions to this new offense, including when law enforcement officers, military personnel acting in their official duties, or certain animal control and wildlife officers discharge firearms as part of their jobs, or when lawfully hunting or controlling nuisance wildlife under permit. It also exempts discharges made in defense of oneself or another person against an animal attack, or in defense of a domestic animal from an animal attack, provided the use of deadly force is reasonable under the circumstances. Furthermore, the bill specifies that discharging a firearm on a public or privately owned sport shooting range is also exempt. Importantly, beginning July 1, 2026, all approved handgun safety courses will be required to include instruction on this new reckless firearm discharge offense, and the act itself takes effect on that date.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=SB2379&ga=114