Senate Bill 1094, known as the "Suicide Prevention Act of 2025," aims to enhance public safety by establishing a program for a revocable voluntary waiver of firearms rights for individuals with mental health concerns. The bill mandates the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to create a process that allows individuals voluntarily admitted to mental health facilities or those concerned about their mental health to waive their rights to purchase, possess, or transport firearms. The TBI will develop a request form that includes provisions for designating "guardian angels," declarations of firearm ownership, and acknowledgments of the legal implications of enrollment in the program. The circuit court clerks will play a crucial role in processing these requests and revocations, ensuring that the TBI and the Department of Safety are notified within specified timeframes.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect the confidentiality of individuals enrolled in the program, stating that their information will not be publicly disclosed except under certain circumstances, such as law enforcement inquiries or criminal prosecutions. It also establishes penalties for individuals who violate the terms of the waiver by purchasing or possessing firearms while enrolled in the program. The act will take effect upon becoming law for implementation purposes, with full provisions effective January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-17-1316(a)(1)(A), 39-17-1316