The Lone Libertarian

It would seem that two members of the Tennessee General Assembly, Senator Reginald Tate (D-Memphis) and Representative Larry Miller (D-Memphis), have decided to make ammunition accountable for itself. That’s right folks, the “Ammunition Accountability Act” HB3245/SB3395, sponsored by the two Memphis legislators, will finally take ammunition to task for its’ dastardly ways.

Ok, I’m sure you can detect the sarcasm directed at the ignorant name of the bill. I haven’t known too many inanimate, non-living things to be held accountable for their actions.

This is yet another bill, in a long line of bills to mandate serial codification on bullets. Starting in January of 2009, manufacturers would be required to print serial numbers on the base of each bullet to be sold in the state of Tennessee.

Basically a case of bullets of any caliber will go up in price, possibly to prohibitive prices for some, in order to place laser stamping on the bottom. A TBI database will be created that will contain the names and information of those who purchase a range of serialized bullets. This will undoubtedly affect Tennessee ranges, ammo manufacturers, and gun retailers. This gun grabbing legislation will make it even more cost prohibitive in Tennessee to protect one’s self. In usual economic fashion, you’ll see people traveling to neighboring states to purchase cheaper, non-stamped ammunition (not to mention avoiding the “big brother effect”).

Also, this will severely reduce the availability of ammunition in the state. People wont be able to protect themselves, and could lose their lives because of this legislation.

Rubbish bills like this have been introduced in several states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington.
Here’s a good laugh from the bill text:

By January 1, 2011, all non-coded ammunition for the calibers listed in this bill, whether owned by private citizens or retail outlets, be disposed of.

I’d love to see them enforce this one. Speaking of enforcement, does this mean that local and state police departments have to use serialized bullets as well? This sounds like a good question for your legislator, but my guess is, they don’t have to play by the same rules.

However, what the esteemed legislators from Memphis may not realize is that per the Tennessee Constitution, the Legislature only has the power to regulate the wearing of arms. The Legislature does not have the power to mandate the destruction/disposal of ammo.

“That the citizens of this State have a right to keep and to bear arms for their common defense; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime.”

- Tennessee Constitution, Article I - Declaration of Rights, Section 26

The bills have been shuffled to the Judiciary Committee for now, and since the 105th General Assembly has been adjourned, are in no danger of being voted on. Don’t let that stop you from writing your representative and senator today.

I have a few questions for the sponsors of the bill.

1. Do you think that criminals will buy the laser engraved bullets?
2. Do you think that if criminals do purchase the engraved bullets, that they wont take them apart and remove the numbers?
3. What is to stop people from going to different states to buy ammo (other than the penalties you define in your bill)?
4. Will law enforcement and the State Guard be required to use serialized bullets?
5. Will you enforce rationing of serialized bullets to citizens if law enforcement and military are not able to replenish their supply?
6. What will a law abiding citizen have to go through if someone steals a box of their serialized ammo?
7. Criminals and criminal immigrants are able to purchase black market guns, what makes you think there wont be a thriving market for “illegal” ammo?
8. Can you not see you are emboldening criminals via this legislation, and leaving us law-abiding gun owners high and dry?

I’ll be watching this one closely. Watch my blog to see if you need to make a run for the ammo store in the coming months.