Tennessee Democrats file legislation calling for assault weapons ban

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Two Tennessee lawmakers have filed legislation calling for a ban on the purchase of assault weapons in the state.

Senator Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville-D20) and Representative Bo Mitchell (D-Nashville-D50) are the sponsors of SB1569/HB1579 in their respective chambers.

Under the bill, the sale or purchase of an assault weapon would be a Class A misdemeanor. This would include attempts to sell or purchase assault weapons.

The bill describes assault weapons as being "a semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has the capacity to accept a detachable magazine" and have either a pistol grip which "protrudes conspicuously," has a thumbhole stock, folding/telescoping stock, has a flash suppressor, forward pistol grip, or is a grenade/flare launcher.

Weapons which are centerfire rifles with a fixed magazine that holds more than 10 rounds would also be considered assault weapons. Antique firearms would not be included in the bill.