2020 Proposed Legislation of Note

[Worriedman]

HB 2669 As introduced, provides that a person who uses justifiable force against another may request a stay of proceedings in any civil action based on the use of force until the criminal investigation has concluded; creates an immunity hearing at which the court may dismiss an action that is barred by immunity.

HB 2661 As introduced, permits a person to carry a handgun in a concealed manner; permits a person carrying a handgun in a concealed manner to carry in parks, higher education campuses, and areas posted by local governments in the same manner permitted by handgun carry permit holders.

HB 2536 As introduced, creates a civil action against any person or government entity that infringes upon a person's right to bear arms under the Tennessee or United States Constitutions; requires the person or entity to be liable for actual or statutory damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees, and court costs.

Hb2937 As introduced, provides that a person's use of force in self-defense is not justified if the person was engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or Class A misdemeanor, rather than unlawful activity, at the time of the use of force.

HB 0409 As introduced, confers criminal and civil immunity upon a person who uses or threatens force in self-defense, defense of another, or defense from a person committing a criminal offense, unless the person against whom force is used is a law enforcement officer during discharge of the officer's duties and the person knows the person is an officer. (Bruce Griffey's bill from last year, still viable)

In conversation with Sponsors, I am very optimistic about the possibility of passage of some, if not all of these this session.

Edited February 22, 2020 by Worriedman

[RED333]

1 hour ago, Worriedman said:

HB 2536 As introduced, creates a civil action against any person or government entity that infringes upon a person's right to bear arms under the Tennessee or United States Constitutions; requires the person or entity to be liable for actual or statutory damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees, and court costs.

So this would get HCP holders past no carry sings?

[DaveTN]

I hope I am wrong, but I don’t see anything that keeps a business from posting their property, or being held responsible if they do, passing.

Memphis and Nashville both, and to a lesser extent Chattanooga depend on the tourism and convention industry; these laws would impact that income. Otherwise I think we would already have Constitutional Carry.

But hey, I could be wrong. I hope they all pass.

[Worriedman]

No, this would actually name 2nd Amendment or Article 1 Section 26 Rights as Civil Rights, making the denial as such punishable under the Official Oppression portion of our TCA Code. It targets government not businesses or individuals.

Dealing with carrying past signs is not on the agenda this year.  We will have to change a lot more legislators to achieve that...

Edited February 22, 2020 by Worriedman

[RED333]

15 hours ago, Worriedman said:

No, this would actually name 2nd Amendment or Article 1 Section 26 Rights as Civil Rights, making the denial as such punishable under the Official Oppression portion of our TCA Code. It targets government not businesses or individuals.

Dealing with carrying past signs is not on the agenda this year.  We will have to change a lot more legislators to achieve that...

Thanks for the answer Worriedman.

[Worriedman]

HB 2937 is a clean up bill for current 39-11-611 (self defense statute) which states that if are in a place you have a Right to be and not engaged in criminal activity, you do not have to retreat before using deadly force or the threat of deadly force if a reasonable person would believe the threat of harm is present. 

This takes out the possibility that a over zealous prosecutor cam say you were illegally parked to void your ability to claim self defense.

Edited February 23, 2020 by Worriedman

[DWARREN123]

Every step forward helps.