House Bill 596, known as the "Tennessee Voluntary Do Not Sell Firearms Act," establishes a process for individuals to voluntarily waive their firearm rights. Under this bill, individuals can submit a waiver form to the clerk of the circuit court, which prohibits them from possessing or receiving firearms while the waiver is in effect. The bill mandates that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) enter this waiver into the national instant criminal background check system within 24 hours and outlines the procedure for revoking the waiver after a minimum of seven days. The TBI is also required to destroy all records related to the waiver and its revocation after processing.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that make it an offense to sell or transfer a firearm to someone who has executed a waiver that has not been revoked. It also establishes penalties for individuals who knowingly violate the waiver by possessing or receiving firearms, which may include a civil fine or community service. The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of records related to the waiver process, allowing disclosure only to law enforcement or the individual involved. The act will take effect upon becoming law for the purpose of developing forms and rules, with full implementation set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-17-1316(d)(1), 39-17-1316, 39-17-1316(q), 10-7-504