NASHVILLE – A bipartisan group of Tennessee senators on Monday unveiled legislation that sponsors hope will encourage firearms owners to buy gun safes by exempting those sales from state sales taxes.
Sen. Kerry Roberts, R-Springfield, and Senate Minority Leader Lee Harris, D-Memphis, said they’re hopeful the legislation will curb accidental shootings by children who gain access to family weapons.
Tennessee last year ranked No. 1 nationwide among states with the highest number of accidental gun shooting incidents involving those under age 18, according to data compiled by the Children’s Firearm Safety Alliance. There were 31 injuries and/or deaths in the state.
Roberts called it “common-sense legislation that will make gun safes more affordable and accessible to gun owners” while creating a “safer environment for children and hopefully prevent the heart-breaking tragedies that occur.”
It should also prevent gun thefts, Kerry said.