As large cities nationwide contemplate taking gun manufacturers to court over costs associated with violent crime, legislation to block Tennessee cities and counties from suing is making its way through the legislature. State Rep. H.E. Bittle, R-Knoxville, sponsor of one measure in the House, asked rhetorically last week whether automakers and manufacturers of steak knives would join big tobacco companies on the list of targets for litigation. The legislation, supported by the influential National Rifle Association, makes the state the only party that can sue gun makers.
Critics say consolidating that power to sue reduces the chances of suits.
The Tennessee Municipal League, which represents the state's cities, is opposed to stripping the right from cities and counties, TML Executive Director Suzette Denslow said. And Sen. Steve Cohen said passage could mean Tennesseans would never have the opportunity to go to court against gun makers. For political reasons we didn't join the tobacco lawsuits, and I think it would be the same with guns. Tennessee, home to many tobacco farmers, did not join other states in a lawsuit against big tobacco last year yet still reaped some of the settlement money. They'll bankrupt legal gun manufacturers because some criminal is violating the law.