In a move that’s drawing national attention from 2A advocates and mental health watchdogs alike, Tennessee has enacted legislation aimed at uncovering potential connections between psychotropic drugs and mass shootings. On May 21, 2026 Sheila Matthews of AbleChild appeared on GunStuff TV to explain.
Signed into law by Governor Bill Lee in April 2025 (effective July 1, 2025), Senate Bill 1146 / House Bill 1349 requires county medical examiners or regional forensic centers to take specific actions during autopsies of decedents suspected of committing a mass shooting that resulted in four or more deaths:
- Consult the shooter’s treating mental health professional or primary care physician (if known) to gather information on psychotropic drug use.
- Test the decedent for the presence of any drugs, including psychotropic medications such as antidepressants (SSRIs), benzodiazepines, and others.
- Send a blood sample to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy for further analysis of drug interactions.
- Report findings (with personal identifiers redacted) to the UT Health Science Center and the Tennessee Department of Health.
A 2026 expansion bill (SB 2088 / HB 2013, signed May 2026, effective July 1, 2026) broadens the scope to incidents involving 4+ injuries or clear attempts to kill multiple people. It also allows law enforcement to request blood or urine tests from living suspects with probable cause and consent.
Why This Matters to Gun Owners
While the mainstream media often rushes to blame guns and the Second Amendment after these tragedies, Tennessee lawmakers are asking tougher questions about mental health treatment, prescription drugs, and their potential role in violent outbursts. This data-driven approach could provide real answers instead of the usual rush to more gun control.
Advocates like AbleChild have praised the law for shining a light on psychiatric drug risks that are too often ignored.
Official Bill Text: SB 1146 on Tennessee General Assembly site
Read more background: Tennessee Mass Shooter Law: Psychotropic Drug Toxicology Testing Explained
GunStuff TV Takeaway: Real solutions to violence start with honest investigation—not infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens. We’ll continue tracking this story and similar developments in ATF rules, state legislation, and mental health policy. Stay tuned for more 2A news.
What do you think? Should more states follow Tennessee’s lead? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this with fellow gun owners.