Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A bill which guarantees Second Amendment rights for renters in Tennessee was passed by the Tennessee House on Monday, March 9, and will become law.
HB0469 states that landlords cannot prohibit a tenant from lawfully possessing, carrying, transporting, or storing firearms or ammunition in their rented residence, vehicle, or points of access to the residence or vehicle. It does allow landlords to require tenants to keep the firearm concealed, holstered, or stored in a carrying container when they move between vehicles and their residence or when the tenant is in common areas like an elevator or shared hallway.
Additionally, if a landlord violates the provisions in the bill, an affected tenant will have the right to bring a suit against the landlord for actual damages, punitive damages, and recovery of attorney’s fees.
The bill contains exclusions including mental health facilities, state agency premises, school property, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted care facilities, and certain independent living facilities.
On the House floor, bill sponsor Rep. Lee Reeves reiterated that, “At its core, this recognizes that a leased dwelling unit is somebody’s home, and a renter should not have fewer rights of lawful self-defense inside their home than someone who owns.”
Objections came from House Democrats who have maintained their arguments that it expands access to firearms, intrudes on property rights, and elevates the Second Amendment over other Constitutional rights.
After brief back and forth between Republicans and Democrats, the question on the bill was called, moving the body to a vote. The measure passed 73-21 with Republican John Gillespie joining Democrats in voting against the measure.
As the House adopted and conformed to the Senate version of the bill, which has already passed, the bill will ultimately progress to Governor Lee’s desk for signature into law, though it may make another brief stop in the Senate to ensure the language of both bills is exactly the same.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
