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HB 599

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates a Class A misdemeanor for knowingly giving, selling, lending, delivering, or otherwise transferring a firearm to a person when the transferor knows or reasonably should know that the person receiving the firearm is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm under state or federal law. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bob Freeman

Tennessee bill makes knowingly transferring firearms to legally prohibited persons a Class A misdemeanor, targeting straw purchases and illegal gun trafficking.

Re-ref. to Criminal Justice Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 599

Legislative bill overview

HB 599 creates a Class A misdemeanor offense in Tennessee for knowingly transferring a firearm to someone legally prohibited from owning one. The law applies to transfers via gift, sale, loan, or delivery when the transferor knows or should know the recipient is barred from firearm possession under state or federal law.

Why is this important

This bill addresses "straw purchases"—a significant pathway for firearms to reach prohibited individuals including felons, domestic abusers, and those with severe mental health adjudications. Enforcement of such transfers is currently difficult in many jurisdictions, and this creates explicit criminal liability for the transfer act itself, not just the recipient's possession.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Second Amendment advocates may argue the "reasonably should know" standard is vague and could chill lawful transfers between family members or create liability for negligent sellers who didn't verify eligibility
  • Enforcement and proof burden: Prosecutors must prove knowledge or reasonable knowledge at time of transfer, which requires evidence of the transferor's state of mind—a high evidentiary bar
  • Class A misdemeanor severity: Some argue this penalty (up to 11 months, 29 days in Tennessee) may be disproportionate compared to federal penalties for straw purchases, while others contend it's insufficient deterrent

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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