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HB 1093

Firearms and Ammunition - As enacted, expands the definition of "machine gun" to include any part, or combination of parts, designed and intended solely for use in converting a firearm into a machine gun; increases the classification for the intentional or knowing possession, manufacture, transport, repair, or sale of a machine gun from a Class E to a Class C felony; reclassifies certain other offenses involving the possession of firearm or handgun ammunition; makes a defendant ineligible for parole if convicted of aggravated assault that involved the use of a firearm from within a motor vehicle. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Cameron Sexton

Tennessee expands machine gun definitions, increases possession penalties to Class C felonies, and eliminates parole eligibility for firearm-related aggravated assault from vehicles.

Pub. Ch. 513
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Bill Summary · HB 1093

Legislative bill overview

HB 1093 expands Tennessee's definition of machine guns to include conversion parts, increases penalties for machine gun offenses from Class E to Class C felonies, and makes defendants convicted of firearm-related aggravated assault from vehicles ineligible for parole. The bill reclassifies certain ammunition possession offenses and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Why is this important

Machine gun conversion devices have become increasingly accessible and are used in violent crimes, prompting lawmakers to close what they view as a legal loophole. Elevating penalties and restricting parole eligibility are intended to deter possession and manufacturing of illegal automatic weapons. The changes directly impact criminal sentencing and public safety policy around gun violence.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional questions: Second Amendment advocates may challenge the broad definition of "conversion parts" as potentially criminalizing possession of legal firearm components without clear intent evidence
  • Sentencing disparity: Elevating machine gun possession to Class C felony creates significant mandatory minimum increases; critics may argue this is disproportionate compared to other violent offenses
  • Parole eligibility removal: Eliminating parole for firearm aggravated assault removes judicial discretion in sentencing; concerns exist about whether blanket restrictions account for individual circumstances and rehabilitation potential

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

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