Washington, D.C. — Gun Owners of America (GOA) is proud to announce the successful passage of SB1360/HB073 in the Tennessee General Assembly—legislation aimed at significantly strengthening legal protections for Tennessee-based members of the firearms industry. The bill, which was backed by GOA, passed both chambers with overwhelming majorities on April 15 and now awaits the governor’s signature.
This critical legislation enhances Tennessee’s version of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), creating stronger legal immunity for firearm businesses targeted by the radical anti-gun lobby. It sends a clear message: Tennessee is a safe haven for lawful firearms commerce and won’t be used as a collection arm for unconstitutional out-of-state rulings.
The new bill fortifies the state’s 2023 PLCAA law in multiple ways:
Expands legal protections to include additional industry players, including private sellers, suppressor manufacturers, and magazine producers.
Prohibits Tennessee courts from recognizing or enforcing out-of-state or foreign court judgments that conflict with Tennessee’s pro-Second Amendment public policy.
Penalizes bad-faith litigation by imposing triple damages on out-of-state plaintiffs and their attorneys who attempt to enforce hostile judgments in Tennessee courts—an unprecedented safeguard for gun rights advocates and businesses.
The bill is expected to further bolster Tennessee’s reputation as a national hub for firearms manufacturing and sales. Industry leaders like Beretta and Smith & Wesson have already relocated operations to the state, and this new law will incentivize even more companies to do the same.
GOA urges other pro-Second Amendment states to follow Tennessee’s lead by adopting similar legislation that shields their local gun industries from ideologically driven legal assaults.
Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, issued the following statement:
“Tennessee just made itself one of the most pro-gun states in America. With this law, radical anti-gun groups can no longer weaponize courts in California or New York to attack the Second Amendment industry in Tennessee. This is exactly the kind of bold leadership our movement needs to see across the country.”
Chris Stone, Director of State Affairs for Gun Owners of America, added:
“This bill is a game-changer for protecting lawful commerce in firearms. It ensures that Tennessee businesses—and gun owners—are shielded from weaponized lawsuits coming from anti-gun states. GOA thanks Tennessee’s lawmakers for their leadership and urges other states to adopt this model.”
GOA spokesmen are available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.
