House backs bill restricting landlords from banning firearms in rental homes; public‑housing concerns raised

The Tennessee House on March 11 approved Senate Bill 350 (as a substitute), which prohibits landlords from including lease provisions that bar lawful possession, carrying, transportation or storage of firearms inside a tenant’s leased residential premises.

Sponsor Representative Reeves argued the bill recognizes a leased dwelling as a home and that renters should not have fewer lawful self‑defense rights than owners. “A leased dwelling unit is someone’s home,” Reeves said, framing the measure as restoring parity for renters.

Opponents said the bill would limit property owners’ ability to set safety rules and would not leave room for landlords seeking to reduce gun access to protect children or reduce risk. Representative Pearson pressed the sponsor about whether public housing and private landlords would be affected; Pearson warned the bill could reduce owners’ control over their property and criticized expanded firearm access in rental settings as potentially dangerous for children and community safety.

Reeves replied that some landlords already impose restrictions and that litigation has occurred; he said the bill fits within landlord‑tenant law where other obligations (e.g., habitability) already constrain property rights.

The House called and sustained the previous question during debate and later recorded a final vote; the clerk reported the final tally as 73 ayes and 21 nays. The bill now advances to the Senate. Lawmakers predicted further discussion about effects on public housing and liability as the bill proceeds.