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HB 566

Finance and Administration, Dept. of - As introduced, allows the department, office of criminal justice programs, to use available existing resources to seek appropriate funding and resources from the federal and state governments to design and implement grants to reduce gun violence in this state. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 38; Title 39; Title 47 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Shaundelle Brooks

Authorizes Tennessee's criminal justice office to pursue federal and state grants using existing resources to fund gun violence reduction programs statewide.

Sponsor(s) Added.
#dept.of #financeandadministration
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Bill Summary · HB 566

Legislative bill overview

HB 566 authorizes Tennessee's Department of Finance and Administration, specifically the Office of Criminal Justice Programs, to use existing resources to pursue federal and state funding for grants designed to reduce gun violence. The bill modifies multiple sections of Tennessee Code to facilitate this authority and grant-seeking process.

Why is this important

Gun violence reduction programs can address a significant public health and safety concern through evidence-based interventions. The bill's approach of leveraging existing departmental resources to secure external funding allows for potential program expansion without requiring new state appropriations, making it a fiscally conservative policy tool.

Potential points of contention

  • Second Amendment concerns: Gun rights advocates may view violence reduction initiatives as implicit criticism of gun ownership or as a stepping stone toward stricter regulations, even if the bill itself doesn't restrict access to firearms.
  • Program effectiveness questions: Stakeholders may debate which evidence-based strategies are most effective (community intervention programs, law enforcement initiatives, mental health services, etc.) and whether competitive grants ensure optimal resource allocation.
  • Scope and definition ambiguity: The bill's language about "appropriate funding" and "grants to reduce gun violence" lacks specificity about eligible programs, potentially allowing broad discretionary authority in grant design and distribution.

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

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