WPLN: “Gov. Bill Lee is calling on the Tennessee legislature to pass a law that would restrict people who pose a threat to themselves or others from having access to guns. But while he is the chief of command in the state, if lawmakers aren’t on board, it won’t happen.
Currently, Tennessee’s order of protection law protects victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking. Lee says the new law would be more expansive.
“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.
The governor also signed an executive order Tuesday. He says the goal is to increase the effectiveness of the state’s background check process. It does several things:
- Establishes a 72-hour new crime reporting requirement
- Requires courts to submit timely and accurate information to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
- Requires the TBI to examine the process for purchasing firearms and submit a report listing any changes needed within 60 days
This isn’t the first time an expansion of the state’s order of protection laws has been brought up in Tennessee. Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, filed a bill in 2021 that would’ve established red flag laws in the state. It wasn’t passed, and for the most part, leadership on the Republican side haven’t fully changed their stance. But Gov. Lee believes now’s the time to put egos to the side.”