Lee Calls on Legislature to Pass "Red Flag" Law for Guns

Move comes in wake of Covenant School shooting

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee today called on the Tennessee General Assembly to pass a so-called "Red Flag" law to limit access to guns for people who pose a threat to themselves or others. Lee also signed an executive order he says will strengthen the state's background check system.

The move comes just two weeks after a deadly shooting at Nashville's Covenant School claimed the lives of three students (all age 9) and three staff members.

Lee said his proposed Red Flag law will build on Tennessee's existing statutes.

"This new stronger order of protection law will provide the broader population cover, safety from those that are a danger to themselves or to the population,” Lee said.

For their part, legislative Democrats have expressed willingness to work with Lee to take on the issue of gun violence.

Senate Democratic leader Raumesh Akbari of Memphis said her caucus is ready to get to work to pass meaningful legislation to improve public safety.

“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,” she said.

Lee acknowledged moving the legislation in a General Assembly that has been loosening gun laws in recent years might be difficult, but expressed confidence that setting aside past differences could help accomplish the goal.

“It’s going to require coming together, laying down our previously held positions potentially,” Lee said.

It's not yet clear whether House Speaker Cameron Sexton or Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Todd Gardenhire will schedule Lee's proposal for votes. Both have resisted new gun legislation this year.

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