Memphis voters to decide on gun restriction measures

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Would you vote add more gun restrictions in Memphis?

You’ll have the chance this November.

On Tuesday, the Memphis city council made it possible for people in Memphis to decide whether they want more gun control. Many Memphians agreed gun violence is a problem.

“About two months ago, there was an armed gunman walking around in a neighborhood my child goes to school in. I just don’t think that’s OK to have a semi-automatic weapon walking around Memphis,” said one Memphis mom.

Under Tennessee’s permitless carry law, it is. That’s why councilmembers are now letting voters decide – should there be more restrictions in the city?

“This is our number one issue right now in Memphis,” said Jerri Green in an interview with FOX13.

There will be multiple questions for voters to consider this November. One has to do with handgun regulations, including requiring permits and rules on storing them in cars.

Another would limit assault weapons in public and ban the sale of them.

The last would create what's known as a red flag law that would restrict the sale of firearms to someone deemed a significant risk to others.

“That means that you can have a gun without any kind of training or background check. You know, you can just carry a gun anywhere.”

Much of what council wants voters to decide is allowed under state law, which supersedes local laws. Green said council is ready to take action if needed.

“This is a chance for the people to have their voice heard and we may end up in the courts, but this is a righteous fight. We are in a pandemic level crime era right now in the city of Memphis, as Mayor Young likes to say. And so we are going to have to take some really quick and important measures.”

Council also passed the first reading of a ballot question that would add a two-year residency requirement for all candidates for the mayor and council.

They also discussed whether to allow votes decide to add votes to the MLGW board from the suburbs.