Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, removes certain criminal offenses relative to the possession and carrying of firearms, including the offense of carrying a firearm with the intent to go armed if the person has been convicted of stalking or DUI in certain circumstances and the offense of possession of a firearm by a person under 25 if the person was adjudicated delinquent for certain offenses as a juvenile; removes the offense of possessing or carrying a weapon in a public park, playground, civic center, or other public recreational area; makes various other changes relative to the possession and carrying of firearms. - Amends TCA Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Monty Fritts

Tennessee bill eliminates criminal firearm restrictions for stalking/DUI convictions, juveniles with delinquency records, and public park weapon bans, broadly expanding carry rights.

Action Def. in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee to 3/18/2026

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Legislative bill overview

HB 1737 would eliminate several criminal firearm offenses in Tennessee, including restrictions on carrying firearms for individuals convicted of stalking or DUI, possession bans for certain juveniles under 25, and prohibitions on weapons in public parks and recreational areas. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee law across various criminal codes.

Why is this important

This legislation would substantially broaden who can legally carry firearms in Tennessee and where they can carry them. The changes could affect public safety policies in parks and recreational facilities while also altering consequences for individuals with prior convictions related to interpersonal violence (stalking) and impaired driving.

Potential points of contention

Stalking and DUI provisions: Removing restrictions on firearm carrying for stalking convictions raises concerns about intimate partner violence and harassment contexts, while DUI provisions question judgment standards for armed individuals

Juvenile adjudication standards: Eliminating possession restrictions for those adjudicated delinquent as juveniles removes a safeguard designed to prevent armed access for minors with documented behavioral or criminal issues

Public space restrictions: Removing weapons prohibitions in parks and recreational areas conflicts with many communities' preferences for firearm-free family spaces and could impact youth safety policies