Tennessee Legislators Introduce Strong New Legislation to Stop Gun Control

Sen. Mae Beavers and Rep. Sheila Butt introduced a bill Tuesday to amend the Tennessee Firearms Freedom Act of 2009 so that it adds bold new protections for Tennessee firearms owners.  The original Firearms Freedom Act exempted from federal law and authority firearms that were manufactured, sold, and retained in Tennessee.

Going several steps further, SB 0250 and the companion bill HB 0248 provide protection for all firearms, even those not manufactured in Tennessee.  The bill states:

“The general assembly declares that any federal action prohibited by this chapter relating to firearms, firearms accessories or ammunition, whether made in Tennessee or not, is not authorized by the United States constitution and violates the restrictions contained therein and is hereby declared to be invalid in this state; that said federal action shall not be recognized by this state; and that said federal action is rejected by this state and shall be null and void and of no effect in this state.”

The bill, which is fully endorsed by the Tennessee Firearms Association, was specifically written to cover all of the points in the model legislation released by the Tennessee Tenth Amendment Center and more.  It will block all of the following federal attempts at firearms regulation with Class B felony criminal penalties:

(1) Infringe on, ban, regulate, or restrict state government, local government or civilian ownership, transfer, possession or manufacture of a firearm, a firearm accessory or ammunition in this state;

(2) Require any state government, local government or civilian owned firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition in this state to be registered or tracked in any manner; or

(3) Impose federal taxes, fees or any other charges on any state government, local government or civilian owned firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition that are payable to any government entity.

Should any Tennesseans be prosecuted by the federal government for alleged firearms-related crimes, SB 0250/HB 0248 provides for this scenario as well.  The attorney general is authorized to provide defense for the accused and work to invalidate or nullify such federal actions.

Because Tennessee’s sitting attorney general has been adamant in his refusal to challenge the federal government on any grounds in recent years, there is another option built into the bill.  Should the attorney general refuse to do so, a Tennessean may petition a circuit or chancery court to have a special counsel appointed.  Further, all district attorneys in the state have concurrent authority to investigate and take action.

This bill is critical to protect Tennesseans and their natural right to keep and bear arms.  The right to life and the right to defend that life is one of the most basic human rights that exists.  When government attempts to thwart basic natural rights, it is stepping into the realm of evil.

James Madison had a thing or two to say about the Constitution and what the states should do in the face of a federal government attempting to exercise evil, unconstitutional powers.  In the Virginia Resolution of 1798 he wrote:

“…that in case of a deliberate, palpable, and dangerous exercise of other powers, not granted by the said compact, the states who are parties thereto, have the right, and are in duty bound, to interpose for arresting the progress of the evil, and for maintaining within their respective limits, the authorities, rights and liberties appertaining to them.” {emphasis added}

Sen. Beavers and Rep. Butt are attempting to interpose between an out-of-control federal government and the people of Tennessee in the tradition of Madison.  Some Tennessee legislators may not have the courage to step up and pass this critical bill to protect the liberties and rights of the people of Tennessee unless their constituents push hard for its passage.  This means that all Tennesseans must put forth the most valiant effort to date in support of this bill.

The Tennessee Tenth Amendment Center and the Tennessee Firearms Association will be providing continuing updates on what you can do to support this and other bills to protect the right to keep and bear arms in Tennessee.

ACTION ITEMS for Tennessee

Tennessee activists, join the 2nd Amendment Preservation group to support this bill on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2ndAmendmentTennessee/

CLICK HERE to sign the petition in support of Nullifying Gun Control in Tennessee

Contact your state representative and senator – strongly, but politely, urge him or her to vote YES on these bills. Find their contact information at this link.

It is recommended that you CALL and EMAIL.

LEGISLATION AND TRACKING

If you would like to see model legislation to introduce in your state to nullify federal firearm laws, please see The Tenth Amendment Center’s Model Legislation: The 2nd Amendment Preservation Act.

Track the status of 2nd Amendment preservation legislation in states around the country HERE