Jake Lowary

USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

A bill introduced Tuesday would relax some requirements for background checks during sales of guns between importers, licensed dealers and manufacturers.

The bill, filed by Rep. Courtney Rogers, R-Goodlettsville, would exempt importers, licensed dealers and manufacturers from the criminal history check requirement of gun sales across the state.

The bill would also allow gun dealers to sell items in their own personal collections without a background check.

Gun bills have already come up several times during the 2017 legislative session, and are expected to generate debate among lawmakers as the session progresses. Several have already said they would oppose relaxing the state's gun laws, and more strict enforcement is necessary to reduce injuries and deaths related to gun violence.

Jake Lowary covers state politics for the USA Today Network. Follow him on Twitter @JakeLowary.