Senate creates new misdemeanor for reckless gunfire at public gatherings

The Senate passed Senate Bill 17‑47 as amended, creating an offense for recklessly discharging a firearm into the air or toward a public gathering, and requiring handgun safety and permit training to include instruction on the dangers of reckless discharge in crowd settings.

Sponsor Sen. Bolling described incidents in his district and across Tennessee in which celebratory or careless gunfire caused severe injury and death, arguing a targeted statute would provide clearer prosecutorial tools than relying on general reckless endangerment statutes. "Bullets fired into the air, returned to the ground with lethal velocity, and have killed and injured bystanders across the country," Bolling said, recounting recent local cases.

The amendment also added a training component so that those seeking handgun carry permits receive explicit education on the risks of reckless discharge at public gatherings.

The Senate adopted the amendment and passed the bill; the clerk recorded the vote in favor and the measure was declared passed. Sponsors said the law aims to deter dangerous celebratory and careless gunfire and give prosecutors a targeted offense for crowd settings.

Next steps: The bill will be enrolled following passage and implementation will involve updates to certification materials for handgun safety courses.