Senate Democrats Echo Lee's Call for Red Flag Law

Lawmakers call on leadership to take up key gun safety measure

Democrats in Tennessee's state Senate are calling on the GOP leadership of the body to take action on a proposal by Republican Gov. Bill Lee that would create a so-called "red flag law" for guns. Essentially, this would mean gun sellers couldn't sell to someone who is an imminent threat to themselves or others.

Lee issued the proposal in the wake of a shooting at a private elementary school in Nashville that left three students and three staff members dead.

Senate Democratic Leader Raumesh Akbari joined with Senate Democratic Caucus Chair London Lamar in calling for action on Lee's initiative.

“We urge Republican leadership to put the governor’s order of protection legislation in a committee for immediate consideration. Tennessee students and families are desperate for solutions to stop gun violence and they deserve a public debate — and vote — before this session ends.”

The call for action comes with a sense of urgency as House and Senate leadership have suggested the General Assembly may conclude its business for the year this week.

In announcing his proposal, Lee said it represents a path forward on gun safety and that it is a plan that can have bipartisan support

"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.

Democrats previously released a range of gun safety proposals, and a red flag law was among them.

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