House Bill 1591 amends Tennessee law regarding firearms, specifically addressing the responsibilities of firearm owners in relation to mental health crises and safe storage practices. The bill introduces a new provision stating that a defense against certain firearm-related offenses does not apply to juveniles who are knowingly experiencing a mental health crisis. Additionally, it establishes a new requirement that firearms must be stored in a locked container, unloaded, and separate from ammunition to ensure they are inoperable by unauthorized users.

Violating this storage requirement is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. However, the bill clarifies that this storage regulation does not apply to firearms that are carried by or under the control of the owner or another lawfully authorized user. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-17-1319(d), 39-17-1319