We often hear that “we need to enforce existing gun laws, not pass new ones.” But, let’s discuss how existing gun laws work, and why the intersection of federal and state laws creates a confusing patchwork that opens a lot of loopholes that are easy to exploit. Federal law creates disqualifying criteria for possession of a firearm, including conviction for
Read moreThe most dangerous gap in federal firearm laws today is by far the background check loophole. Although federal law requires licensed firearm dealers to perform background checks on prospective purchasers, it does not require unlicensed sellers to do so. A 2017 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine estimated that 22% of US gun owners acquired their most recent firearm
Read moreSafe Tennessee will be primarily focused on four legislative proposals in 2019. Strengthening firearm dispossessionTennessee is consistently in the top ten states for women murdered by men. Tennessee is also one of thirteen states that allow people prohibited from possessing guns to transfer them to a third party. However, our state’s third party dispossession laws are by far the weakest.
Read more“Once again, we find ourselves struggling to comprehend yet another mass shooting and staggering loss of life. One again, our hearts are broken for the families of those who were lost, many of whom were children. Our thoughts are with those still fighting for their lives, with the first responders, and the entire Sutherland Springs community. Since the Sandy Hook
Read moreThis year, Rep. Mike Stewart and Sen. Sara Kyle are sponsoring legislation that would require all gun purchases to undergo a background check. Over 90% of Americans and a large majority of Tennesseans support expanding background checks. The bill will be up for a vote in both the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and the Senate Judiciary on April 5. US Police
Read more