NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Gov. Bill Lee announced Tuesday he is calling on state lawmakers to pass an order of protection law to keep guns out of the hands of people who pose a threat to themselves or others. It's commonly called a red flag law. The bill would allow a judge to remove weapons from someone that is deemed dangerous. Nineteen states (including Florida) have some sort of red flag law on the books.
It is unclear whether the GOP supermajority would support such a bill. Lt. Governor Randy McNally said last week he would support some sort of red flag legislation. House leader Cameron Sexton says he wouldn't consider it without some sort of mental health component.
The governor says he has not yet asked a member of the legislature to sponsor his bill. He also says he's open to other ideas to address mass shootings.
"I think everyone — leadership from speakers as well as other leaders — have expressed a desire to do something and move forward," Lee said inside the Midtown Hills Precinct, which responded directly to The Covenant School shooting. "I have challenged them to bring forward ideas and subsequently met with those leaders. I do believe we should get it done during this session."
This was only Lee's second public appearance since The Covenant School shooting two weeks ago which killed six people — including three 9-year-olds.
Lee called on the Tennessee General Assembly to find a path of partisanship, though last week wounded that effort with the expulsion of two Democratic lawmakers.
Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, and Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, were expelled on Thursday for leading a protest over gun violence on the house floor. Another lawmaker, Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, escaped expulsion by a single vote.
Justin Jones, one of the expelled lawmakers, is already back at the state capitol. The Metro Council appointed him to fill the vacant seat Monday night until a special election can be held for a permanent replacement.
Justin Pearson is expected to be reappointed as well when the Shelby County Commission meets on Wednesday.
Lee says both sides have to work together to solve this problem.
"For me what's most important is that we recognize it's an emotionally charged environment," Lee said. "We must stay focused. There are issues all around us. It's time to set those issues to the side. I am going to urge the General Assembly to work together. If we are going to lead well, now is the moment to bring changes."
Lee said it was time for the General Assembly to act.
"I had hoped this would never happen in our state. Where do we go forward? How is it that we move forward? This won't stop for the next four years in my view. Because of the incredibly emotional responses, I am one that believes that really difficult circumstances can bring forth positive outcomes. I believe it's time. I am hopeful that people won't have preconceived ideas."
Democratic lawmakers said they are ready to go with this type of legislation, but they are just waiting on the Republican supermajority to join them.
"In this moment, our families deserve action to stop future gun violence. The governor is right to make this a priority before session ends," Sen. Ramuseh Akbari said.
"Our caucus announced last week five common-sense reforms to reduce gun violence, including expanded background checks and an extreme risk protection order law. These are smart and effective solutions to keep kids and families safe. We are ready to work with the governor and the supermajority to get something done."
A couple of hours after the announcement, McNally, who said he supported a measure akin to red flag laws, said he would support Lee.
"I support the Second Amendment unequivocally and believe that a law-abiding, armed citizenry is the greatest defense against criminality and tyranny," McNally said. "But I also believe we must take steps to ensure those experiencing mental health crises do not have access to weapons that can be used in mass casualty events. I have been open to discussing emergency mental health protection orders in Tennessee and continue to be. Any such order process must be tightly constructed with sufficient due process and protection against false or fraudulent reporting. 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."
