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TCA 39-17-1326

Private right of action for intentional disclosure of information regarding firearms – Award of damages

VIOLATIONViolation

What does this charge mean?

It is illegal for any person to intentionally disclose information identifying someone as a firearm purchaser or owner if that person knows or should know the information was obtained unlawfully and the disclosure is intended to help create a federal gun registry or confiscate firearms. A person whose private firearm ownership information is illegally disclosed can sue and may recover a minimum of $75,000 in damages per violation, plus actual damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, and other relief. This law does not apply to information shared with government agencies as part of lawful gun permitting or criminal investigations.

Penalty Details

ClassificationViolation
Penalty SummaryViolation
(a) This section and § 39-17-1327 are known and may be cited as the “Firearms Information Privacy Protection Act.” (b) If a person intentionally discloses information that the person knows or reasonably should know was unlawfully obtained and that identifies another person as the purchaser or owner of a firearm, firearm ammunition, or firearm accessory for purposes of compiling or facilitating the compilation of a federal firearms registry or database or the confiscation of firearms, then the person disclosing the information is subject to a private right of action by the person whose information was disclosed. (c) A court may award the person whose information was disclosed and prevails in an action under this section: (1) A minimum of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) in statutory damages per intentional violation of subsection (b); (2) Actual damages; (3) Punitive damages; (4) Other forms of equitable relief; and (5) Reasonable costs and attorney fees. (d) This section does not apply to information that is provided to a government entity pursuant to § 38-8-116, § 38-8-123, § 39-17-1315, § 39-17-1316, § 39-17-1351, § 39-17-1365, or § 39-17-1366, federal law, or as part of a criminal investigation.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

VIOLATION
TCA Section39-17-1326