State Representative Bryan Terry, MD (R- Murfreesboro) is pursuing first-of-its-kind Second Amendment protection legislation entitled the Firearm Information Privacy Protection Act (FIPPA). House Bill 1171 is aimed at protecting the anonymity of citizens related to firearm ownership.
House Bill 1171 will enhance Public Chapter 380 by creating a Class A misdemeanor for any public personnel that intentionally discloses information about a purchaser or owner of a firearm, firearm ammunition or firearm accessory for the purpose of compiling or facilitating the compilation of a federal firearms registry or confiscation of firearms. The bill will also create a cause of action for a gun owner to pursue civil action against an individual that releases information about gun ownership in order to facilitate any federal government effort to confiscate or register firearms.
Whereas the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects the private health information of individuals, FIPPA aims to offer similar protections for individuals exercising their constitutional rights as they relate to firearms, ammunition and accessories.
“The privacy standards that I am held to as a physician must be replicated in regards to firearms, in order to defend the liberty of every Tennessean,” explained Terry, a Murfreesboro physician.
In 2015 Terry co-sponsored Public Chapter 380, which prohibited the use of any state funds, property or personnel to enforce any federal gun legislation that limited the Second Amendment rights of Tennesseans by violating a Tennessee statute, Tennessee common law or the Constitution of Tennessee.
“One’s health information is private and protected by law. As firearms are necessary for the protection of one’s life, liberty and family, firearm information should be private and protected, as well,” Terry said. “My bill ensures this information remains protected to the greatest extent possible. FIPPA allows us to safeguard the constitutional rights and liberties of the people of our great state in this uncertain time.”
While there is not a federal law for firearm registration or confiscation at this time, legislation entitled the “Firearm Licensing and Registration Act” was introduced in Congress this year. The bill requires firearm owners to register their firearms within three months and notify the federal government on how they acquired the firearm and where they store it.
“Though it currently isn’t federal law to register or confiscate firearms, there certainly is discussion on this unconstitutional infringement on our rights. While we cannot predict precisely what overreaching policies the Biden administration may take, Tennessee must stand prepared to face these challenges as they come,” concluded Terry.
The Firearm Information Privacy Protection Act has passed through two House committees and is scheduled to be heard for consideration in the Senate this upcoming week. The bill has over 50 House co-sponsors, including Speaker Cameron Sexton and Majority Leader William Lamberth.
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