Tennessee just took a major step toward transforming itself into a sanctuary state for gun makers, with the passage of SB1360/HB073 in both chambers of the General Assembly. As Michael Hensley reported in a news release for Gun Owners of America (GOA), the bill cruised through both the House and Senate on April 15, 2025, and now only needs Governor Bill Lee’s signature to become law. This legislation strengthens legal protections for firearms manufacturers and dealers who operate within the state, shielding them from aggressive lawsuits being filed in anti-gun states.
Expanding the PLCAA at the State Level
At the heart of the bill is an expansion of Tennessee’s own version of the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which was originally passed in 2005 to prevent gun manufacturers from being held liable for crimes committed by third parties. Tennessee adopted its own version in 2023, and now, with this new legislation, those protections are being dramatically extended. According to GOA’s Ben Sanderson, this bill effectively makes Tennessee a legal shield for any firearms company that sets up shop in the state.
What the Bill Actually Does
The new law does three major things, as outlined by Hensley and confirmed in the GOA’s Minuteman Moment video hosted by Sanderson. First, it prohibits Tennessee courts from recognizing or enforcing out-of-state or foreign court rulings that clash with Tennessee’s pro-Second Amendment stance. Second, it imposes triple damages on any out-of-state plaintiffs and lawyers who try to enforce such hostile judgments. Third, it expands legal protections to more industry players – private gun sellers, suppressor makers, and even magazine manufacturers are now covered under the legal umbrella.
The Power of Preemptive Defense
Sanderson explained that the goal is to prevent Tennessee-based companies from enduring the kind of crushing legal battles that firearm brands like Remington faced in Connecticut after the Sandy Hook shooting. In that case, the company was hit with a $73 million settlement over its marketing practices – despite federal protections. Tennessee’s new law seeks to shut the door on similar legal end-runs by refusing to honor those out-of-state judgments altogether.
NRA-ILA Applauds the Legislation
The NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) also weighed in on the bill. In an update published April 21, the NRA praised Tennessee lawmakers for advancing SB1360/HB873, calling it essential for protecting gun manufacturers from “frivolous lawsuits.” The organization said the bill could help attract even more firearm companies to Tennessee, joining industry leaders like Beretta and Smith & Wesson, who have already relocated there from gun-restrictive states.
Pushing Back Against “Lawfare”
This bill is more than a legal shield – it’s a direct response to what GOA calls “lawfare”: the weaponization of civil courts to bankrupt and intimidate firearm manufacturers. According to Sanderson, these lawsuits aren’t always about winning in court. Often, the goal is simply to drain companies of money through legal fees. Even when a company wins, the cost of defending itself can be enough to force it out of business. This legislation flips the script, making it financially dangerous for anti-gun lawyers to even try.
A Message to Anti-Gun States
Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, called the bill “a bold move” that sends a clear message: Tennessee won’t be bullied by court decisions handed down in states like California or New York. GOA’s Chris Stone, Director of State Affairs, called the bill a “game-changer” that sets the tone for how other states might respond to growing pressure from anti-gun lobbyists. Tennessee’s refusal to participate in the legal harassment of gun makers could inspire a wave of similar bills across the country.
Private Sellers Get Protection Too
One of the more overlooked but important aspects of the bill is that it protects private sellers – not just major manufacturers. As Sanderson explains, if you sell a firearm legally in a private sale and the buyer misuses it, this law shields you from being sued under wild legal theories like “public nuisance” or “negligent entrustment.” It extends the idea that individuals have rights too, not just big companies.
A Firewall Against Radical Legal Theories
In recent years, anti-gun groups have tried out a variety of novel legal arguments to sue firearm companies. Some lawsuits have claimed that selling guns creates a public nuisance, while others say gun makers should be held liable for crimes they had no connection to. These ideas, as Sanderson noted, would be laughed out of court in any other industry. But when it comes to guns, some judges have been willing to let those lawsuits through. Tennessee’s new law draws a firm line in the sand.
The Punishment Shouldn’t Be the Process
What really stands out here is how clever this bill is – not just politically, but legally. It doesn’t just say “we support the Second Amendment”; it acts on it by building concrete protections for people and companies under constant attack. These lawsuits aren’t about justice – they’re about bankrupting a political enemy. And while every other industry gets protection from this kind of abuse, gun companies are left twisting in the wind. Tennessee just stepped up and said, “Not here.”
This matters, because if gun manufacturers are sued into silence, it becomes much harder for ordinary citizens to access legal firearms. Destroying the supply chain is just another way to attack the Second Amendment from the side. That’s what this bill understands – and why it’s so important.
One Signature Away from History
The bill now waits on Governor Bill Lee’s desk, and all signs point to him signing it. When he does, Tennessee will become the first state to fully wall off its gun industry from hostile out-of-state legal attacks. As Ben Sanderson puts it, this could be the start of a national trend – a model for states like Texas, Florida, Utah, and South Dakota to follow. The gun control movement has been using the courts to win what they can’t achieve in Congress. Now, Tennessee is leading the charge to stop them.
A Blueprint for the Second Amendment Future
In a time when the firearms industry is under siege from every angle – political, legal, and cultural – Tennessee’s move is more than just bold, it’s visionary. GOA, the NRA, and Second Amendment advocates across the country are watching closely. And if other states follow Tennessee’s lead, we might just see the rise of a new legal fortress for the Second Amendment in the heart of America.
For additional info, check out GOA’s news release here, the NRA-ILA update here, and GOA’s video here.
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The article Tennessee Is One Signature Away From Becoming a Sanctuary State for Gun Manufacturers first appeared on Survival World.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa is our dedicated Second Amendment news writer and also focuses on homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Lisa aims to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.
