The Tennessee State Legislature introduced House Bill 514 on January 29, 2025, aiming to analyze the state's firearm laws and their effects on various aspects of society. The bill, sponsored by Representative Gillespie, mandates the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to conduct a comprehensive study examining how firearm regulations influence firearm sales, criminal offenses, and the use of firearms for self-defense across all counties in Tennessee.

Key provisions of the bill require TACIR to identify both similarities and differences in the impacts of these laws. The study is expected to involve collaboration with relevant state departments and agencies to ensure a thorough examination. The findings must be reported to each member of the General Assembly by January 1, 2026, and will also be made available to the legislative librarian.

While the bill does not propose immediate changes to existing laws, it seeks to gather data that could inform future legislative decisions regarding firearms in Tennessee. The implications of this study could be significant, as it may influence public policy and shape the ongoing debates surrounding gun control and self-defense laws in the state.

As discussions around firearm legislation continue to be a contentious issue in Tennessee, House Bill 514 could serve as a pivotal step in understanding the broader impacts of current laws. The outcome of TACIR's study may lead to further legislative action, depending on the findings and public response.