The Tennessee 2024 Legislative Session starts in January. Already, some bad bills have been filed and more are certain to come. Likewise, Tennessee Firearms Association is talking with some Legislators, those who have either proven their Second Amendment support or who are at least willing to discuss the issue, about pro-Second Amendment legislation. To be…
Author Archives: JohnHarris
Red Flag Down – 2024 Legislative Watch
In 2023, citizens across Tennessee who are interested in protecting our individual civil rights from unconstitutional government infringements moved forward with a load voice in the Red Flag Down campaign by the Tennessee Firearms Association to defeat an attempt by Governor Lee and some Republican legislators to push a “red flag” or “mental health order…
Litigation challenge to Tennessee’s “parks” statute – update.
On February 16, 2023, a lawsuit was filed by Stephen L. Hughes, Duncan O’Mara, Elaine Kehel, Gun Owners of America, Inc., and Gun Owners Foundation against Bill Lee, in his official capacity as the governor of the state of Tennessee. See, Stephen L. Hughes, et al., v. Bill Lee, Chancery Court for the 28th Judicial…
Rep. Ryan Williams initiates 2024 attack on 2nd Amendment rights.
Rep. Ryan Williams (R.) who represents part of Putnam County has already filed 2 bills that could be heard in the 2024 Legislative session. These are House Bill 1599 and House Bill 1600. Both of the bills would directly impact the rights that are protected by the Second Amendment which are applicable to those in…
Tennessee Court of Appeals to hear oral arguments regarding the Covenant Shooter “Manifesto” case
Tennessee Firearms Association is one of the parties that has sued the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County to obtain access under Tennessee “Open Records” law to the writings and materials seized from and related to the Covenant Shooter. These “open records” lawsuits are typically resolved quickly and normally involve the individual or entity…
Federal District Court in Texas issues injunction against ATF and its enforcement of its rule against “force reset triggers” in 5th Circuit
On October 7, 2023, Judge O’Connor in the Northern District of Texas granted an injunction against the ATF prohibiting it in certain means from enforcing its “force reset trigger” rule. See, National Association for Gun Rights, Inc., et al. v. Merrick Garland, et al. N. D. Texas, No. 4:23-cv-00830-O (October 7, 2023). In 2018, ATF…
TFA Joins GOA in Amicus Brief to Supreme Court in challenge to part of the 1968 Gun Control Act
Tennessee Firearms Association joined Gun Owners of America and other entities in an amicus brief that was filed with the United States Supreme Court on October 4, 2023, in the case of United States v. Rahimi, No 22-915. Rahimi had been charged with and convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8), which prohibits an individual…
Extreme caution appropriate when considering support of a new “advocacy” group that appeared suddenly in Tennessee.
In 2023, shortly after the Covenant School murders, a new entity suddenly appeared in Tennessee claiming to support the interests of Second Amendment advocates. While there are many entities and activists working to advance and protect Second Amendment rights, you should not assume that every entity claiming to be a Second Amendment organization is automatically…
Separation of Powers in Tennessee Government
For those of you who have not taken the time to read, or study the Tennessee Constitution, (inside or outside of the General Assembly, much less the media), there are a few passages that are very important to understand the proper functioning of a constitutional republic. These passages also shed light on the certain problems…
GOA’s Erich Pratt addresses joint efforts by TFA and GOA to fight for 2nd Amendment rights
Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President for Gun Owners of America, spoke for a second year in a row at the Tennessee Firearms Association Legislative Action Committee (TFALAC) 2023 Annual Event. Mr. Pratt discusses the working relationship of GOA and TFA in the battle in Tennessee, nationally and in the courts to restore and protect the…