Tennessee General Assembly passes MaKayla's Law on firearm secure storage

The Tennessee State Legislature convened on April 1, 2025, to introduce House Bill 167, also known as "MaKayla's Law," aimed at addressing the issue of reckless endangerment related to firearms. The bill, proposed by Representative Mitchell, seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 13, specifically targeting the responsibilities of firearm owners in securing their weapons.

The primary purpose of House Bill 167 is to establish legal consequences for individuals who fail to properly secure firearms, particularly in households with children. The bill introduces a new provision that categorizes reckless endangerment as a Class E felony if a child under the age of thirteen gains access to an unsecured firearm and discharges it, resulting in bodily injury. If the discharge leads to death, the offense escalates to a Class C felony. This legislative move aims to enhance child safety and reduce incidents of accidental shootings involving minors.

During the introduction of the bill, discussions highlighted the growing concern over firearm-related accidents among children, with advocates emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to prevent such tragedies. The bill's proponents argue that it will encourage responsible gun ownership and promote safer environments for children.

However, the bill has not been without opposition. Critics have raised concerns about the potential implications for law-abiding gun owners, arguing that the legislation could lead to unintended consequences and criminalize responsible citizens. Some lawmakers have called for amendments to clarify the definitions of "secure" and "unsecured," as well as the circumstances under which a firearm is deemed accessible to a child.

The economic implications of House Bill 167 could be significant, as it may lead to increased legal liabilities for gun owners and potentially impact the gun industry in Tennessee. Socially, the bill reflects a growing trend towards prioritizing child safety in discussions surrounding gun legislation, aligning with national conversations about responsible firearm ownership.

As the legislative process unfolds, experts suggest that the bill's passage could set a precedent for similar laws in other states, potentially influencing national standards for firearm safety. The bill is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, pending further discussions and potential amendments in the coming weeks. The outcome of this legislation will be closely monitored by both advocates and opponents as it progresses through the legislative agenda.