By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed legislation which protects firearms manufacturers in the state from junk lawsuits, adding state-level reinforcement to the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA).
The move is being hailed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the umbrella industry umbrella group.
Senate Bill 1360 and its companion measure, House Bill 873, protects firearms industry members from “qualified civil liability actions,” according to NSSF.
“Governor Lee, and Tennessee’s lawmakers, are sending a clear message that gun control lawfare targeted against our industry, which is vital to Tennessee’s economy and the nation’s heritage of Second Amendment freedoms, will not be tolerated,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “Governor Lee’s commitment to the lawful commerce in arms and free exercise of the rights to keep and bear arms in Tennessee is demonstrated by the growth of firearm manufacturers moving to the state to grow their businesses. The firearm industry is grateful for state Representative Monty Fritts and state Senator Joe Hensley for shepherding this bill through the legislature and for Governor Lee’ leadership in signing these important protections into law.”
The Daily Signal published a short history of the measure’s progress through the Volunteer State legislature. According to the NSSF, Tennessee currently is home to several gun companies, including Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Beretta USA, Cheytac, Smith & Wesson and TROY Industries.
Republican Lee has served as Tennessee governor since 2019. He emerged from private business to win election as the state’s 50th governor. A native Tennessean, Lee previously signed legislation allowing “permitless” carry, also called Constitutional Carry.
As noted by NSSF, SB 1360 “adds a deterrent by requiring plaintiffs attempting to bring frivolous lawsuits against firearm industry members to pay those defendants three times the damages cited in their legal complaints – plus attorney’s fees – if those lawsuits violate Tennessee law.”
Gunmakers have been leaving the Northeast in recent years as gun laws have become increasingly restrictive and the business environment for gunmakers has become hostile.
