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SB 1253

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, creates the offense of carrying or possessing a firearm, including a firearm that was privately assembled and does not contain a serial number or other mark that conforms with federal law, if, at the time of carrying or possessing, the person is not a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13 and Title 55, Chapter 50.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by London Lamar

Makes it illegal for non-citizens to knowingly carry or possess any firearm (including non-serialized private guns) in Tennessee, class A misdemeanor, effective July 1, 2025.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1253

Summary of SB 1253 (Session 114) – Tennessee

Purpose and Intent

SB 1253 amends Tennessee law to create a new offense relating to armed possession of firearms by non-citizens. The bill makes it illegal for individuals who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to knowingly carry or possess a firearm, including firearms that are privately assembled and lack a serial number or other identifying marks consistent with federal law. The offense is designated as a Class A misdemeanor and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Key Provisions

  • Amendments to:

    • Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13
    • Title 55, Chapter 50

  • New offense (Proposed TCA § 39-17-1307(k)):

    1. A person commits an offense if they knowingly carry or possess a firearm, including a privately assembled firearm without a serial number or other mark that complies with federal requirements (18 U.S.C. § 923(i)).
    2. The offense applies specifically when the individual is not a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident (per § 55-50-102).

  • Classification:

    • The offense is a Class A misdemeanor.

  • Effective date:

    • The act becomes effective July 1, 2025, due to public welfare requiring it.

Affected Parties and Scope

  • Primary Actors:
    • Non-citizens in Tennessee (not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents) who knowingly carry or possess firearms.
  • Instruments Covered:
    • All firearms, including those privately assembled from parts kits that lack a serial number or other identifying marks conforming to federal law (as required by 18 U.S.C. § 923(i)).

Fiscal and Procedural Implications

  • Local government impact:
    • Mandatory expenditures estimated at approximately $942,900 in FY 2025-26 and subsequent years.
    • Costs stem from potential new cases of possession by non-citizens leading to Class A misdemeanor convictions (approx. 2,028 convictions projected after factoring crime overlap and other variables).
    • Estimated per-inmate housing cost used: $61.99 per day.
    • Projected convictions duration: an average of 15 days per offender.

  • Revenue:

    • Fines are projected to be not significant based on historical collection patterns.

  • Legislative history:

    • Sponsors: Senate: Lamar; House: Towns (Cosp. London Lamar).
    • Status: Committee actions in 2025; introduced and progressed through readings, with referral to Senate Judiciary Committee and subcommittees.

Practical Impact

  • The bill narrows firearms possession rights for non-citizens when carrying or possessing firearms, including privately assembled, non-serialized guns.
  • It adds a state-level criminal penalty (Class A misdemeanor) for violations, potentially increasing local enforcement activity and jail bed usage.
  • It aligns state law with concerns about firearms lacking federal-identifying marks and the presence of non-citizens in possession of such firearms, while projecting measurable but focused local costs.

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

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