House Bill 873 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to weapons, specifically focusing on definitions and civil liability actions concerning firearms and ammunition. Key changes include the redefinition of terms such as "ammunition," "dealer," "firearm," and "manufacturer," with specific criteria for each. The bill also introduces new definitions for items like antique firearms, body armor, and various firearm accessories. Additionally, it modifies the language surrounding qualified civil liability actions, emphasizing that a person cannot bring such actions against manufacturers, dealers, or sellers for the unlawful misuse of qualified products by third parties.

The bill further clarifies the burden of proof in civil liability actions, requiring plaintiffs to demonstrate that their claims are not barred by the new provisions. It establishes a public policy aimed at protecting the rights to keep and bear arms, stating that recovery against dealers, manufacturers, or sellers for misuse of products is not permitted. Other amendments include changes to regulations regarding the discharge of firearms and the treatment of foreign judgments related to qualified products. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 29-42-101, 29-42-101(3)(A), 29-42-101(4), 29-42-101(10), 29-42-102, 29-42-102(3), 29-42-102(4), 39-17-1314(a), 39-17-1314, 39-17-1314(b), 39-17-1314(b)(3), 39-17-1314(b)(4), 39-17-1314(c), 39-17-1314(f), 39-17-1314(h)(1)(C)