SB2459 generally prohibits the state Department of Children's Services from asking foster parents or prospective foster parents how many firearms or what types of firearms and ammunition they own, from collecting identifying information about those firearms, or from demanding access to them. The department may still ask whether firearms are present and securely stored, and may inspect the storage method without requiring the container to be opened.
The Tennessee State House of Representatives passed SB2459 on April 15, 2026 by a vote of 72 to 23. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because this bill protects the rights of foster parents and prospective foster parents, protected by the Second, Fourth, and Ninth Amendments, by limiting intrusive government inquiries. Law-abiding citizens should not be forced to surrender their constitutionally protected rights merely because they seek to provide a foster home.
