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SB 2379

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, enacts the "Reckless Bullet Prevention Act," which creates an offense of recklessly discharging a firearm into the air, ground, a body of water, or an object in close proximity to the person if the firearm is discharged at a place where other people are or may be present; punishes the offense as a Class A misdemeanor; specifies certain exceptions to the offense; requires handgun safety courses for enhanced handgun carry permits to instruct on the offense. - Amends TCA Title 39.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Joey Hensley

Creates a Class A misdemeanor for recklessly firing a gun where others may be nearby, with exemptions; requires safety courses to teach it by July 1, 2026.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2379

Summary of Bill: SB 2379 / HB 2575 (Tennessee, 114th Legislature)

Title

Reckless Bullet Prevention Act

Primary purpose

To create a new offense prohibiting the reckless discharge of a firearm in settings where other people may be present, and to require certain handgun safety courses to include instruction related to this offense.

Key provisions

  • New offense (39-17-1367): Reckless discharge prohibited
    • A person commits a Class A misdemeanor if they recklessly discharge a firearm into:
    • the air
    • the ground
    • a body of water
    • an object in proximity to the person
    • Where the discharge occurs at a place where other people are or may be present.
  • Specified exceptions (activities and roles exempt from the offense)
    • Law enforcement officers performing official duties.
    • United States military personnel or Tennessee National Guard when acting under orders.
    • Animal control or wildlife officers performing official duties.
    • Lawful wildlife management under permit or license during open seasons.
    • Nuisance wildlife control with permits (TWRA or USFWS).
    • Discharges on the property of a public or private sport shooting range.
    • Discharges in self-defense against an animal attack where deadly force is reasonably necessary.
    • Discharges in defense of a domestic animal against an imminent attack where deadly force is reasonably necessary.
  • Mandatory handgun safety course content (Effective July 1, 2026)
    • Beginning July 1, 2026, all DOS-approved handgun safety courses must include instruction on the new 39-17-1367 offense.
    • Applies to department-approved safety courses referenced under § 39-17-1351(e).

Affected entities and individuals

  • General public: Potential new Class A misdemeanor exposure for reckless firearm discharges in public or near others.
  • Law enforcement and military personnel: Exempt from the offense when acting in official duties.
  • TWRA and federal wildlife/service personnel: Exempt when acting in official duties.
  • Sport shooting ranges: Discharges on range property are exempt.
  • Gun safety educators and students: Will receive updated curriculum requirements starting mid-2026.

Timeline and effective date

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Applicability: Acts occurring on or after July 1, 2026.
  • Education requirement start: July 1, 2026, for all department-approved handgun safety courses to include instruction on 39-17-1367.

Fiscal impact

  • Budget impact anticipated to be not significant.
  • Estimated to cause minimal changes in prosecutions and court workload.
  • Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DOS) can implement the curriculum update using existing resources.

Administrative and procedural notes

  • The bill adds a new section to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.
  • The act codifies the offense and its exceptions, and it directs the DOS to update handgun safety courses accordingly.

Summary in plain language

SB 2379 creates a new misdemeanor offense for recklessly firing a gun into the air, into the ground, into water, or at an object when other people may be nearby. The offense carries a Class A misdemeanor punishment, with several exemptions for law enforcement, military, animal control, wildlife management, and safe ranges or defensive uses. Starting July 1, 2026, all state-approved handgun safety courses must include education about this new offense. The bill is designed to deter reckless discharge in public settings while preserving protections for official duties, hunting, wildlife management, and self-defense in appropriate circumstances.

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

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