Senate passes Bill 1360 expanding liability protections for firearms manufacturers

The Tennessee Senate convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss several legislative matters, with a primary focus on Senate Bill 1360. The session began with Senator Hensley moving for the passage of the bill on its third and final consideration.

The first order of business was the introduction of Amendment Number 1, presented by Chairman Garnhauer of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This amendment aimed to correct a typographical error in Section 16 of the bill. The amendment was adopted unanimously after a brief discussion, allowing the Senate to proceed with the amended version of Senate Bill 1360.

Senator Hensley then provided an overview of the bill, which seeks to enhance protections for firearms manufacturers at the state level, building on legislation passed in 2023. Key provisions of Senate Bill 1360 include shielding manufacturers from foreign civil liability claims and expanding the definition of "qualified products" to include items such as knives, body armor, and silencers. The bill also modifies the criteria for filing civil liability actions against sellers of these products, requiring physical injury for claims of negligent entrustment.

During the discussion, Senator Giardbor raised questions regarding the scope of the bill, particularly concerning which groups would be included under the new protections. Senator Hensley clarified that the legislation applies to licensed dealers and manufacturers, emphasizing that it aims to extend protections against foreign claims.

However, concerns were voiced by Senator Yarborough regarding the implications of extending liability protections to unlicensed manufacturers. He argued that the bill could potentially undermine protections for consumers, particularly in cases involving defective firearms. Yarborough highlighted that the legislation appears to eliminate certain liabilities for negligence, which could leave gun owners without recourse if harmed by unreliable products.

The session concluded with ongoing discussions about the implications of the bill, particularly regarding consumer safety and the balance between protecting manufacturers and ensuring accountability. The Senate is expected to continue deliberating on Senate Bill 1360 in future sessions, as lawmakers weigh the potential impacts of the proposed legislation on both manufacturers and consumers in Tennessee.