Judges across Tennessee are increasing accountability measures for individuals ordered to relinquish their firearms, a change intended to bolster protections for victims of domestic violence.
A Patchwork of Reforms
This shift is occurring on a county-by-county basis following the failure of a statewide bill that would have standardized these reforms. The bill faced opposition from the National Rifle Association and the Tennessee Firearms Association, and has now been delayed until 2026.
Currently, Tennessee law requires individuals convicted of domestic violence or subject to an order of protection to give up their guns. However, the state does not mandate disclosure of who receives the relinquished firearm, raising concerns about ensuring compliance and legal ownership.
Scott County’s Model
Reporting by WPLN and ProPublica highlighted reforms implemented in Scott County, where courts now require a written affidavit detailing who will take custody of the weapon, along with that individual’s address and a signed receipt. These measures are not currently required statewide.
“The [state’s] form is really incomplete,” said Becky Bullard with Nashville’s Office of Family Safety. “We can’t have someone dispossess of their firearm lawfully if we don’t know who they’re giving the gun to.”
At least nine counties, including Davidson and Shelby, have amended their gun dispossession affidavits to include this additional information. Other counties are considering similar changes.
Shelby County Judge Greg Gilbert adjusted his court’s form after learning that counties had the authority to do so independently. He stated, “It does make it a little more likely that people will take this seriously.”
Advocates recently attempted to secure a recommendation from a state council on domestic violence to adopt the amended form, but the effort failed due to a procedural issue. The group plans to revisit the topic in March.
Becky Bullard, who has advocated for this reform since 2018 following a shooting at a Waffle House, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We really do not have a minute to lose…And it could affect someone in the next minute.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current law regarding firearms and domestic violence in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, individuals convicted of domestic violence or subject to an order of protection are prohibited from possessing a firearm. They are required to relinquish their weapons, but the state does not currently require them to disclose to whom they are giving the firearm.
Which counties have already changed their procedures?
At least nine counties in Tennessee, including Davidson and Shelby, have amended their gun dispossession affidavits to require information about the recipient of relinquished firearms.
What happened to the statewide bill that would have standardized these changes?
A bill that would have made Scott County’s form the default statewide was delayed until 2026 after facing opposition from the Tennessee Firearms Association and the NRA.
Given the ongoing efforts at the county level and the potential for future legislative action, will these changes ultimately lead to greater safety for victims of domestic violence in Tennessee?
Worth a look