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SB 250

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates a Class A misdemeanor for recklessly storing a firearm in a manner that a person knows or reasonably should know will allow a child younger than 18 years of age to access the firearm and the child brings the firearm to a school. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Heidi Campbell

Creates Class A misdemeanor for recklessly storing firearms accessible to children under 18 who then bring them to schools, establishing criminal accountability for negligent gun storage.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 250

Legislative bill overview

SB 250 creates a Class A misdemeanor offense in Tennessee for recklessly storing a firearm in a manner that allows a child under 18 to access it, specifically when that child brings the firearm to school. The bill amends Tennessee's criminal code to establish this new crime with potential penalties including jail time and fines.

Why is this important

School safety and preventing unauthorized firearm access by minors are significant public policy concerns. This legislation attempts to incentivize secure firearm storage practices among gun owners with children in their homes, addressing a pathway through which minors could bring weapons to school settings. The law creates legal accountability for negligent storage rather than relying solely on voluntary safety measures.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates may argue the law imposes restrictions on lawful firearm ownership and storage practices that burden constitutional rights beyond existing regulations
  • "Recklessly" standard definition: The legal threshold of what constitutes "reckless" storage versus ordinary negligence may be ambiguous and create enforcement inconsistencies or prosecutorial discretion issues
  • Parental criminalization: The law primarily targets parents/guardians, raising questions about whether criminal penalties are the appropriate response versus civil liability, mandatory safety training, or civil fines

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

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