After A Long Day In The Legislature Waiting For Governor Lee’s Red Flag Legislation, Sources Indicate A Special Session Is Imminent

After A Long Day In The Legislature Waiting For Governor Lee’s Red Flag Legislation, Sources Indicate A Special Session Is Imminent

After A Long Day In The Legislature Waiting For Governor Lee’s Red Flag Legislation, Sources Indicate A Special Session Is Imminent

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –

Yesterday, both sides of the Tennessee State General Assembly were in floor sessions. After Governor Lee’s announcement earlier this week about 13-pages of legislation he is proposing that encompass many aspects of a Red Flag Law, no new proposals were offered on either floor by the close of business.

Our sources inside the Capitol conveyed that a special session is imminent in order to deal with the proposal made by the governor, a proposal that is being called by conservatives “an unconstitutional travesty”. 

Included in the legislation recently proposed by Governor Lee is a list of 10 SSRI medications, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, that can be used as indicators to anyone with the authority as a reason to possibly issue an Extreme Response Protection Order and trigger confiscation of that person’s firearms.

Based on recent data, about 30% of Americans take this class of medications for other ailments such as migraines and insomnia.  Not to mention the stigma that will be attached to anyone who takes these medications for mental health disorders. 

During the Senate floor session yesterday, Senator Jeff Yarbro (D-D21-Nashville) asked to have his bill SB1029 recalled from Senate Judiciary Committee where it failed earlier in the month, and moved to bring it directly to the Senate floor for a vote. Senator Todd Gardenhire (R-D10-Chattanooga) moved to table the motion, and his motion was carried 24-7, and the motion was tabled. 

SB1029 was the closest bill that has been submitted this session to the bill proposal offered by Governor Lee with the added amendment which reads:

“Creates an action known as a petition for a risk protection order that may be filed by a law enforcement officer, a law enforcement agency, or a district attorney general to allege that a named individual (respondent) poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to the respondent’s self or others by having access to a firearm or ammunition. Requires such a petition to be filed with a court in the county in which the petitioner has jurisdiction or the county in which the respondent resides. Requires, upon notice and a hearing of the matter and if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to the respondent or others by having in the respondent’s custody or control, or by purchasing, possessing, or receiving, a firearm or any ammunition, the court to issue a risk protection order for an appropriate period of up to 12 months. Authorizes the issuance of a temporary ex-parte risk protection order under certain circumstances. Establishes processes by which a petition must be filed, heard, and adjudicated. Establishes processes by which a risk protection order or temporary ex-parte risk protection order is to be ordered and implemented, including appeals, extensions, expirations, and terminations. 

Requires, upon issuance of a risk protection order or temporary ex-parte risk protection order, the respondent to surrender to the local law enforcement agency all firearms and ammunition owned by the respondent or in the respondent’s custody, control, or possession, and any handgun carry permits held by the respondent. Establishes processes for law enforcement and respondents by which such a surrender, and any subsequent return, is to occur. Requires all law enforcement agencies to develop policies and procedures regarding the acceptance, storage, and return of firearms, ammunition, and permits surrendered. “

In spite of an anxious public waiting to see if our General Assembly is actually going to go through with this arguably unconstitutional move against every law-abiding gun owner, it seems lawmakers will likely deal with the issue in a special session in lieu of trying to rush something through at the very end of this 113th Legislative Session. 

About the Author: Kelly Jackson is a recent escapee from corporate America, and a California refugee to Tennessee. Christ follower, Wife and Mom of three amazing teenagers. She has a BA in Comm from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in law enforcement and human resources. Since the summer of 2020, she has spent any and all free time in the trenches with local grassroots orgs, including Mom’s for Liberty Williamson County and Tennessee Stands as a core member.  Outspoken advocate for parents rights, medical freedom, and individual liberty. Kelly can be reached at kelly@tennesseeconservativenews.com.

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5 Responses

  1. I thought I voted for Republicans. I was dead wrong. I voted for RINOS who are actually worse than the Democrats.

    1. I’ve never been so disappointed in an elected official. When i voted for all conservatives I was praying they didn’t turn and stick a knife in our back. Lee talked out of both sides of bis mouth. If Biden thought it’s a good idea we are ruined. I wish we had a DeSantis in charge!!!!

      1. Desantis is exactly the same. Have you NOT learned your lesson? Start looking under the hood instead of depending flashy headlines and articles.

  2. Maybe we should be asking what is wrong with these Red Flag medications that they apparently feel they are markers for some potential dangerous situations. If you are on these types of medications will they be coming for your driver’s license next?

  3. The Special session should be used to throw Lee out of office. This law could and will be totally abused, they could add ANY drug a person takes anytime including ASPRIN for the so-called Safety which is back door gun control.

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