TN HB0387This bill prohibits healthcare providers in Tennessee from asking patients about their ownership or access to firearm ammunition or accessories. If a healthcare provider makes such inquiries, they could face disciplinary action and a fine of $1,000.
TN HB0387 is a house bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Ed Butler (R), currently “Introduced” since January 27, 2025.
We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 51 of them sponsored by Ed Butler.
Supporters of this bill argue that it protects patient privacy and prevents healthcare providers from overstepping their boundaries by asking questions unrelated to medical care. They believe it upholds the rights of gun owners and ensures that healthcare visits focus solely on medical issues.
Critics of the bill claim it could hinder healthcare providers' ability to fully assess patient safety and risks, particularly in cases involving mental health. They argue that restricting such inquiries could limit important discussions about gun safety and potentially endanger patients and their families.
The analysis of HB0387, which seeks to regulate healthcare providers' inquiries about patients' firearm-related possessions, reveals no direct personal financial interests for the sponsor, Ed Butler. As an attorney and owner of a law firm, Butler's professional activities are centered around legal services, which do not directly intersect with the healthcare or firearms industries affected by this bill. The absence of any documented business interests in healthcare or firearms suggests that Butler's sponsorship of this bill is unlikely to result in personal financial gain. Therefore, the risk of a conflict of interest is considered low.
Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.
| Type | Description | Industry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Attorney | Lawyers/Law Firms | AI-researched |
| Employer | Butler & Associates Law Firm | Lawyers/Law Firms | TN Legislature bio |
| Business Owner | Owner of Butler & Associates Law Firm | Lawyers/Law Firms | TN Legislature bio |
| Employer | AE FIRE PROTECTION | — | TN Ethics Commission |
Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.
About This Analysis
This summary was generated using AI from the bill's official text and metadata. Data sourced from LegiScan and the Tennessee General Assembly. Conflict analysis examines the sponsor's personal financial interests for potential overlaps with the bill's subject matter.
What does TN HB0387 do?
This bill prohibits healthcare providers in Tennessee from asking patients about their ownership or access to firearm ammunition or accessories. If a healthcare provider makes such inquiries, they could face disciplinary action and a fine of $1,000.
What is the status of TN HB0387?
TN HB0387 is currently “Introduced” in the Tennessee legislature.
Who sponsored TN HB0387?
Ed Butler (R) sponsored TN HB0387.
