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The Tennessee Conservative [By Kelly M. Jackson] –
At the end of last week, Governor Lee’s office conveyed that the special session he would be calling for to address public safety in the wake of the Covenant shooting, would likely be delayed.
Initially, it was anticipated that the special session would convene as early as mid-May.
Last Friday, Governor Lee’s office said, “We offered the General Assembly a list of potential dates for the special session — from May through August — and based on initial feedback from legislative leadership, it will likely be after July 4,” his office said. “The governor will announce additional details as soon as they become available.”
The possible reason for the delay could be the increasing opposition taking place across the state among county GOP executive committees, and/or county commissions issuing their disapproval via written resolutions.
As of the printing of this article, resolutions from at least 9 counties (Lewis, Jefferson, Claiborne, Williamson, Carter, Grainger, Benton, and Sullivan) expressing their opposition to any laws that would infringe on Tennesseans 2nd Amendment rights have been issued. Stewart County GOP is reported to be working on a resolution as well. They all generally contain the same verbiage, and reference the most recent holdings from the Supreme Court on the issue of 2nd Amendment rights, which is the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. V Bruen.
That holding in its most distilled form, essentially states that a person does not have to pass any kind of test to prove they need access to their Constitutional rights, any of their Constitutional rights, which would include their 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. If a person is required to prove that they aren’t a threat to society because they see a therapist, take a specific type of medication, or have sought any kind of mental health treatment that would be a test that the Constitution, state and federal, say violates Bruen.
Additionally, the lack of a release of the manifesto in the recent shooting, seems to be a sticking point with those in the General Assembly who are reluctant to convene in a special session. If there is going to be a special session based on a premise that we need to keep weapons out of the hands of those who suffer from mental issues, then some idea of what specific issues those are would be beneficial, even necessary information.
The delay of the special session, from May to August, and even some talk of it being pushed to September, is an indicator that Governor Lee understands he cannot compel any kind of substantive changes to gun legislation without the cooperation of the Republican-controlled state house and senate, that seem to have no taste for it. Many of which will be facing reelection campaigns in the next year, even if such a concern isn’t a factor for the governor.
We will continue to follow this story and inform our readers of any new developments as they occur.
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.
9 Responses
What about the rights of parents, patrolmen and politicians to not get shot? Where are the rights of the victims?
Who are patrolmen?? Not sure I understand this. If the people would have armed people in the schools and do away with GUN FREE ZONES, I think you would see a bid decline in massacres of innocent people.
WE secure government buildings, banks, other buildings. Why can’t we secure our children? If you learn how to handle guns, you will change your mind.
THIS is not about guns, this is about our rights under the CONSTITUTION, and I have seen nothing done by any state to protect schools. AND RED FLAG laws make it too easy to take some ones guns, just on a 2nd party word.
Why isn’t Sumner County on this list?
Parents, patrolman, and politicians? Most politicians have security that is paid for by taxpayers. Patrolman are paid to take a risk. I’ve been on the job, I know about that one. Parents? How about worrying about the kids in those schools. By that I mean secure the schools. The call for Red Flags is to make some folks feel better. Dangerous people can already be reported. When they are reported, someone needs to follow through. Florida was reported 26 times, even to the FBI. No effect. You want to protect people? Arm them. Try to get them trained. Change attitudes.
VERY well said I am sick of knee jerk reaction to shooting, and states have done nothing to protect the kids and people in schools by arming teachers. STOP making schools soft targets
When will Knox County, GOP & County Commission, join that list. Citizens of Knox County, Stand up & be counted in defense of our unalienable rights guaranteed by Constitution.
EVERY county should be standing up for our rights, and BILL LEE is a coward in my eyes. HE let a crowed of people scare him into asking for RED FALG LAWS. AND why did the let the 3 off after, , they broke the laws and got off Scot free. AND they were invited to the white house, this shows you can break the RULES, AND GET AWAY WITH IT.
How can I get a copy of those counties resolutions? I’d like to pass them along to my county executive!