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HB 1058

Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, requires a gun dealer to ensure that three days have passed since the transaction was initiated by the purchaser before transferring a firearm to a purchaser if the purchaser is older than 17 but younger than 21. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bo Mitchell

Tennessee bill requiring three-day waiting period for firearm purchases by ages 18-20 to potentially reduce impulsive violence and suicides among young adults.

Action Def. in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee to 3/25/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 1058

Legislative bill overview

HB 1058 would impose a three-day waiting period for firearm purchases by individuals aged 18-20, requiring gun dealers to delay transfer of the firearm until three days after the transaction is initiated. This targets a specific age group between the current legal purchase age and full adulthood, amending Tennessee's firearm transfer regulations.

Why is this important

Waiting periods are a debated policy tool intended to reduce impulsive violence and allow time for background checks to be completed. Tennessee currently has no waiting period for firearm purchases, and this bill would make it one of relatively few states to implement age-specific waiting periods rather than universal ones, affecting a demographic group (18-20 year-olds) with measurably higher rates of firearm homicides and suicides.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Second Amendment advocates argue waiting periods, particularly age-targeted ones, may violate constitutional rights to bear arms, and Tennessee courts could face legal challenges
  • Effectiveness debate: Evidence on waiting period effectiveness is contested—some research shows reduced suicides and homicides, while critics argue most firearm crimes involve illegally obtained weapons unaffected by dealer regulations
  • Age-based discrimination: The law targets only 18-20 year-olds, raising questions about why this group is singled out when 21+ purchasers face no delay, and whether this distinction can be legally justified

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

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