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Sen. Harshbarger’s bill to bar landlords from banning firearms in rentals advances after expert testimony
Summary
The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee advanced Senate Bill 350, sponsored by Sen. Harshbarger, which would prohibit lease terms that ban lawful firearms in rental residences and certain related areas. The committee adopted an amendment, heard expert and legal clarification about vehicle and tenant-guest scope, and voted 8–1 to move the bill to the calendar.
Sen. Harshbarger told the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee that Senate Bill 350 "is designed to protect the fundamental rights of Tennessee renters," and said the measure would ensure tenants are not forced to surrender their Second Amendment rights simply because they rent.
The sponsor said SB 350 would prohibit lease terms or landlord rules that ban lawful firearms or ammunition inside a tenant's leased premises, in tenant vehicles parked on landlord-provided parking, and in common areas necessary to enter and exit the property. Harshbarger said the bill applies prospectively and includes carve-outs for premises leased to state agencies or the Department of Safety, facilities licensed or contracted with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and campus buildings and grounds covered by the cited chapter of state code. He also said the bill includes a provision that "no civil liability shall arise from a landlord solely for complying with this" and that stakeholders helped shape the language.
Members asked practical questions about the bill's scope. Leader Hackberry described a situation where a homeowner rents an attached apartment and said he was "concerned" that an owner with children might want to restrict weapons on their property. Harshbarger deferred to an expert in the audience; the committee recessed to hear from Toby Meyer of T Rex Arms, who stated the bill "does say that if you do rent an apartment... you cannot be prevented from having a firearm in your apartment, unless you are prohibited from possessing a firearm for any other reason."
Committee members also pressed for legal clarity on the vehicle provision. Chairman Watson asked whether the provision applies to any vehicle in landlord-provided parking or only to vehicles owned by the tenant or the tenant's guest. Committee legal counsel Mr. Matt King affirmed the reading that the provision is intended to cover vehicles owned by tenants and tenants' guests and noted existing statutory coverage for firearms in vehicles under the cited code section.
Procedurally, the chair moved the amendment (drafting code 11,478) and Senator Sutherland seconded. After discussion and the expert and legal clarifications, the committee voted on the bill as amended. The clerk recorded one "No" vote and multiple "Aye" votes; the chair announced the result as eight ayes to one no, and stated SB 350 will move to the committee calendar.
The committee concluded its business and adjourned.
