Senate Bill 2379, also known as the "Reckless Bullet Prevention Act," introduces a new section to the Tennessee Code Annotated that criminalizes the reckless discharge of a firearm in areas where people may be present. Specifically, it establishes that a person commits an offense if they discharge a firearm into the air, ground, water, or nearby objects recklessly, classifying such a violation as a Class A misdemeanor. The bill outlines several exceptions to this rule, including discharges by law enforcement officers, military personnel, and authorized wildlife control officers, as well as actions taken in self-defense against animal attacks.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 39-17-1351(e) to require that, starting July 1, 2026, all department-approved handgun safety courses include instruction on the newly established reckless discharge law. The act is set to take effect on the same date, applying to incidents occurring on or after July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-17-1351(e), 39-17-1351