Governor calls for action

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 of protection effort would “go beyond the scope” of current laws that normally are issued in instances of domestic violence.

“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,” the governor said.

Lee told reporters that he wants to complete this effort by the end of the legislative session.

“The existing background check process for purchasing a firearm only works when there is accurate and timely information available,” Lee said, adding that the executive order will “set a 72-hour clock for reporting new criminal activity” and “ensure and require that the courts submit timely, accurate information directly to the TBI.” Additionally, he said, the order would require the TBI “to examine the current process for purchasing firearms, to look at operational barriers for sharing information, to provide a report within 60 days of the issues that exist in that process, so that if there are changes needed we can make those changes.”

Lee said that he thinks that leaders from both the House and the Senate have “expressed a desire to do something.”

“We should be encouraged that there is a moment in time where people can come together and get something done,” Lee said. “This is our moment to lead and give the people of Tennessee what they deserve.”

Senate Minority Leader Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) offered support for Lee’s announcement. Democrats have repeatedly introduced legislation related to so-called red flag laws and background checks in recent years.

“In this moment, our families deserve action to stop future gun violence. The governor is right to make this a priority before session ends,” Akbari said.“We are ready to work with the governor and the supermajority to get something done.”

A variety of gun-related bills have already been proposed this legislative session, including a bill aimed at holding gun owners accountable when their guns are stolen from vehicles and a bill that would lower the age at which a person can lawfully carry a handgun in public without a permit from 21 to 18.

On Tuesday, the Senate Finance, Ways and Means committee unanimously passed Lee’s school safety bill. The bill does not mention guns, instead focusing on various ways schools can improve their security. Some of the measures include penalizing schools for having unlocked exterior doors and requiring schools to submit safety plans to the state. Democrats have expressed concerns over the bill creating prison-like environments for students and suggested the proposal does nothing to address the causes of gun violence.

“I am decidedly of mixed minds about this,” Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville) said at the committee hearing. “I want to do everything in the world to make these buildings safer. Also, this is where my children spend their days, [and] I don’t want these to feel too much like fortified entities.”

In 2021, the state’s permitless handgun bill was signed into law by Lee in a ceremony inside of Beretta USA’s firearm factory in Gallatin.

That law was the subject of criticism by the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association and Brentwood Police Department, among other law enforcement agencies.

In February, the Biden administration and the U.S. Justice Department announced an investment of more than $231 million in funding to 49 states, territories and the District of Columbia as part of the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, with the goal of reducing gun violence nationally.