The Tennessee Legislature, as a whole, appears to be largely devoid of the capacity to live under the Supreme Court’s ruling in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, No. 20-843.
In Bruen, the Supreme Court make to make it abundantly clear – even under “common core” English – that the rights protected by the Second Amendment are not ‘second class’ rights but they are fundamental rights which the Constitution absolutely prohibits any government from infringing.
The Supreme Court held that the only exception to that prohibition would be restrictions which were identical to or close analogues to restrictions that were part of the nation’s historical tradition as of 1791 when the Second Amendment was adopted.
Yet, a review of the bills filed not just this week (see attachment) but since January 1, 2024, make it painfully clear that the Tennessee Legislature, as a whole, is ignoring the oaths of office to honor, uphold and abide by the United States Constitution. In contrast, some Legislators like Republican Jeremy Faison are attacking Rep. Justin Jones for refusing to lead the Pledge. While offensive, is Jones’ conduct any more despicable than those who take an oath to uphold and defend our rights under the Constitution and then fail to do so over and over and over again? Indeed, the failure to honor the Legislative oath imposes actual harm on the rights of citizens whereas the refusal to lead the Pledge, while a serious character flaw, may not itself rise to the level of a broken oath of constitutional stewardship.
When can we expect Legislators to come forward and specifically call for the resignations of their peers who are violating the Second Amendment? After decades of following the Legislature, the answer is – it will never happen.
Attached hereto is a list of the bills that were filed the week of January 29, 2024. We are also attaching a calendar report of all the bills that we are tracking which are scheduled for committee hearings the week of February 5, 2024. Further, we have posted the entire list of 2024 proposed legislation in this update on the TFA website.
Contact your legislators as well as the bill sponsors and committee members (see Calendar report) with your position or questions about these bills.
John Harris | Executive Director Tennessee Firearms Association
Joining and supporting TFA is an investment in the fight to restore our constitutional rights and to fight against politicians who are willing to sell their votes and your rights to whichever business interest gives them the most money!
