House Bill 554 aims to enhance the protections of individual civil rights concerning the exercise of rights recognized by both the Tennessee Constitution and the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. The bill introduces a new section to the Tennessee Code Annotated, which states that it is a violation of civil rights for government entities or officials to infringe upon these rights. However, it clarifies that enforcing laws or regulations is permissible unless a court has determined those laws to be unconstitutional. The bill also establishes that violations can be pursued through civil actions, with provisions for actual or statutory damages, punitive damages, and reasonable attorney's fees.

Additionally, the bill outlines that government officials who violate these rights may face consequences such as official oppression and potential ouster. It allows for injunctions against further violations and specifies that various individuals or entities can bring actions for such injunctions. The legislation emphasizes that it does not limit other legal remedies available under existing laws. The act is set to take effect immediately upon becoming law, emphasizing the urgency of protecting civil rights related to firearms.