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SB 1191

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, enacts "Akilah's Law," which creates the offense of selling, offering to sell, delivering, or transferring a firearm to a person knowing the person has been a patient in a mental institution at any time within the previous five years. - Amends TCA Title 33 and Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

Tennessee bill criminalizes firearm sales to anyone hospitalized for mental health in past five years, aiming to reduce gun violence but raising constitutional and stigma concerns.

Failed in Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1191

Legislative bill overview

SB 1191, titled "Akilah's Law," would make it illegal in Tennessee to sell, offer to sell, deliver, or transfer a firearm to anyone who has been a patient in a mental institution within the previous five years. The bill amends Tennessee's firearm and health code statutes to establish this new criminal offense.

Why is this important

Gun violence prevention advocates argue that restricting firearm access for individuals with recent psychiatric hospitalizations could reduce suicide and homicide rates, as mental health crises are correlated with increased risk. Conversely, this touches on constitutional protections, mental health stigma concerns, and questions about how such restrictions would be implemented and enforced in practice.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: The bill may conflict with Second Amendment protections and due process rights, particularly if it creates blanket restrictions without individualized assessment of dangerousness
  • Mental health stigma: Broad restrictions linking psychiatric hospitalization to firearm prohibition could discourage people from seeking mental health treatment due to fear of permanent rights loss
  • Implementation challenges: Defining "patient in a mental institution," verifying history across multiple providers/states, and establishing enforcement mechanisms raises practical questions about effectiveness and fairness

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

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