Democrat Senator Thanks Anti-Gun Protestors As Tennessee’s Special Session Continues

Image: Sen. Hedi Campbell (D-Nashville-District 20) makes a point of thanking the anti-gun protestors who showed up to the Capitol. Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –

On Monday, Tennessee’s state legislature continued on with their special session on public safety, despite multiple attempts to adjourn proposed by some Conservative lawmakers last week. 

This means the General Assembly has tacked on another $58,576 taxpayer funded legislative workday, despite the Senate session only lasting about twenty minutes.

During the August 28^th Senate floor session, members stood for a moment of silence in light of a recent training accident in Australia which resulted in the deaths of three U.S. marines and the hospitalization of eight others.

A second moment of silence was held for Former Governor Don Sundquist (R-TN) who recently passed away.

The Senate then passed Senate Joint Resolution 7014 (SJR7014), memorializing the life and death of Benjamin Matthew Kredich of Knoxville, a young man who dealt with autism and helped get a bill passed to allow students in Tennessee’s Step Up program to live on campus if they wanted to. 

It was then announced that Senate Bill 7085 (SB7085), which directs the department of safety to provide free firearm locks to Tennesseans, requires department-approved handgun safety courses to contain instruction on the safe storage of firearms, and exempts firearm safes and safety devices from sales and use taxes, was amended by the House of Representatives and sent back to the Senate for consideration.

Senate Bill 7089 (SB7089), the appropriations bill concerning the budget for staffing, per diem, travel, and other expenses related to the special session, was also amended by the House and sent back to the Senate for consideration.

“I think we’re gonna be here tomorrow,” stated Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin-District 27). “So, I’m gonna defer action on those two items […] so members can take a look at those amendments from the House.”

Although Sen. Johnson has told the media that he doesn’t expect the Senate to taken up any additional bills, the House has continued to pass legislation on their end and sources have relayed to Tennessee Stands that Sen. Johnson is secretly working to pressure Senate chairmen to reopen committees in order to consider that legislation.

“A small group of Senators are refusing Tennesseans a voice on timely matters that could save lives,” Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby-District 11) posted to his Twitter.

Before the Senate proceedings wrapped up on Monday, Sen. Hedi Campbell (D-Nashville-District 20) made a point of thanking the anti-gun protestors who showed up to the Capitol. 

“I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the courageous, vigilant, and passionate people in the gallery who have been holding signs up throughout this process,” said Sen. Campbell. 

She then stated the names of the six Covenant School shooting victims and listed off occurrences of mass shootings in Tennessee before resuming her speech.

“We have a gun problem in this state. It is an emergency. It is a public health emergency,” Sen. Campbell stated. “The people of Tennessee are asking us to do something about it.”

Those in the gallery applauded the Democrat lawmaker’s sentiments and the Senate moved to adjourn until 10am, Tuesday, August 29^th, 2023.

About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.