Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on April 11 floated a law that would restrict gun ownership as he signed an order that would strengthen background checks for gun purchases.
“It is important that we find a way to remove individuals who are a threat to themselves or to our society, to remove them from access to weapons,” Lee said during a briefing. “I’m asking the Legislature to bring forth thoughtful practical measures to do that, to strengthen our laws to separate those dangerous people from firearms, while at the same time preserving the constitutional rights of the people of this state.”
More needs to be done in the wake of the mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Lee said.
“The truth is that we’re facing evil itself. And we can’t stop evil, but we can do something. And when there is a clear need for action, I think that we have an obligation, and I certainly do, to remind people that we should set aside politics and prod and accomplish something that the people of Tennessee want us to get accomplished,” he told reporters on April 11.
Audrey Hale, 28, a former student at The Covenant School, carried out the shooting there with weapons purchased legally, officials have said.
They’ve also said Hale, a woman who was presenting as a man, was dealing with an “emotional disorder.”
The shooting has led to increased support among lawmakers for safety legislation.
“I think before Covenant ... it wouldn’t have been possible to get a 95–4 vote on a piece of legislation surrounding school safety. We should be encouraged that there is a moment in time where people can come together and get something done,” Lee said.
Legislators have been considering bills that would move the minimum age for firearm ownership from 18 to 21 as well as bills that would require safely storing guns and providing weapons for teachers and other educators, though the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee said recently it would not take up gun-related legislation until 2024.
Republicans control both legislative chambers in Tennessee.
Reactions
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Republican, said in a statement that he appreciated Lee’s “commitment to finding solutions to stop tragedies like the Covenant School shooting.”“As we look at mental health orders of protection, they must have a level of due process, protections from fraudulent claims, and a quick judicial hearing for individuals who pose imminent threats. The House is willing to work toward bipartisan solutions to protect all children at their schools, in their communities, and inside their homes,” Sexton added.
State Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, a Democrat, said Democrats support a law that would enable stripping people of their right to own guns if they’re designated a threat to themselves or others.
“We are ready to work with the governor and we urge our Republican colleagues in the legislature to move quickly to put gun reform legislation on his desk,” Akbari said.
The Tennessee Senate GOP Caucus did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Lee’s proposal.
Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, a Republican, said that he backs a so-called red flag law.
“I believe it is possible to protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners while keeping guns out of the hands of people experiencing severe mental health crises. I am looking forward to continuing to work with Gov. Lee and my colleagues in the General Assembly toward this goal,” he said in a statement.
Besides calling for new legislation to restrict gun ownership, Lee signed an executive order strengthening background checks.
It says that the background check system for gun purchases should be accurate and complete and orders all entities with obligations to report information such as mental health details to ensure that information is provided to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which runs the system, within 72 hours of receiving the information.
It also orders court administrators to make sure courts submit relevant information to the bureau or the system.
