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HB 985

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, removes the criminal offense of possession of a weapon in a building or on property that is properly posted; removes the requirement that the department of safety suspend or revoke a handgun carry permit for a violation of that offense by a handgun permit holder. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Michele Reneau

Bill eliminates criminal penalties for carrying weapons in posted no-weapons areas and removes permit suspension authority for violations.

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Bill Summary · HB 985

Legislative bill overview

HB 985 would eliminate the criminal offense for carrying weapons in buildings or on property that display "no weapons" signs, and remove the requirement for the Department of Safety to suspend or revoke handgun carry permits when this violation occurs. The bill amends Tennessee's existing weapon restriction statutes to make posted prohibitions unenforceable as criminal violations.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects property rights, public safety policy, and permit enforcement mechanisms. Currently, property owners can legally prohibit firearms on their premises through proper signage, and permit holders face consequences for violating these postings. The change would shift enforcement authority away from the state and eliminate legal consequences for ignoring property owner restrictions, raising questions about whose rights take precedence—property owners or permit holders.

Potential points of contention

  • Property owner authority: Removes property owners' ability to enforce weapon restrictions on their own premises through state law, potentially creating conflicts between property rights and carry rights
  • Permit holder accountability: Eliminates one enforcement mechanism for handgun permit conditions, reducing state oversight of permit holder compliance with restrictions
  • Public safety in sensitive locations: May allow weapons in privately-posted areas like medical facilities, schools, or businesses that currently rely on these postings for safety compliance

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

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