Tennessee Senate Passes Bill to Protect Gun and Ammunition Dealers, Despite Pushback from Democratic Lawmakers

The Tennessee Senate has passed a bill that would protect gun and ammunition dealers, manufacturers and sellers against lawsuits. The 19-9 vote sends the bill to Republican Governor Bill Lee, despite pushback from Democratic lawmakers who say the GOP is trying to shield gun companies just weeks after the Nashville school shooting that killed six people, including three 9-year-olds.

The bill was passed as the Governor’s administration was trying to drum up enough support among lawmakers in his party to pass legislation to keep firearms away from people who could harm themselves or others. Students, parents and others have also applied pressure for weeks to pass gun safety measures.

The vote came as the legislature was hurrying to finish a session as soon as this week, while receiving national scrutiny over the expulsion of two young Black lawmakers who were reinstated after a House floor gun control protest.

The bill now heads to Governor Lee for his signature. It is unclear if he will sign the bill into law, or if he will take into consideration the pushback from Democratic lawmakers and the pressure from students, parents and others to pass gun safety measures.