Image Credit: Memphis City Council / YouTube & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
Memphis residents will have the opportunity to vote on three gun control measures after the Memphis City Council unanimously approved the referendum to appear on the November ballot.
Initially, the referendum was set for the August ballot, but the election commission stated that changes needed to be made to the wording.
The first measure for consideration will allow voters to decide whether an amendment should be made to the City of Memphis Charter that would state that no individual is allowed to carry, store, or travel with a handgun unless they have a valid carry permit. Voters would also determine whether or not it is legal for people to leave unsecured handguns in an unattended vehicle.
Secondly, voters will be asked if they believe that assault weapons should be banned within city limits unless individuals have a valid permit and use them only at a shooting range or on private property. Additionally, they will be asked if the city should allow the commercial sale of assault weapons after January 1, 2025.
It is noted that this would not be applicable for law enforcement officials or any individuals who can prove they have already filled out an application, have passed a background check, and have a receipt for their purchase.
Finally, a vote will be taken as to whether individuals could file for an emergency risk protection order against people if they are concerned about the mental state of another individual. The risk protection order would prohibit the individual from being allowed to purchase, own, or use a firearm if they are proven to be a risk to themselves or others.
Of note, legislation carried by State Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma-District 16) and State Representative Jody Barrett (R-Dickson-District 69) was made law this year that preempts “the entire field of legislation regarding extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) to the exclusion of all county, city, town, municipality, or metropolitan government law, ordinances, resolutions, enactments, or regulation.”
The Memphis City Council stated previously that the city of Memphis needed to consider gun regulation laws because their circumstances do not always match that of other more rural counties.
Councilman Jeff Warren, sponsor of the referendum, said last year, “What’s good for 97 other counties is not right for us, and we’re being abandoned by current laws and we’re bleeding for it. It’s a public health emergency.”
12 Responses
“Councilman Jeff Warren, sponsor of the referendum, said last year, “What’s good for 97 other counties…”
LOL, who’s gonna tell him? 57 states anyone?
But, point taken. If you remove Memphis and Nashville, statewide gun deaths from all causes drop 80%. But unconstitutional referendums isn’t the way.
IF they would ever read the CONSTITUTION they would see not of these stupid are LEGAL. they just want to look like they are doing something.
This is the same trash pushed in NYC where they have their OWN laws and the rest of the state can pound sand. Tennessee has state pre-emption laws and the lefty demokrats in Memphis will seek to challenge that. Don’t say it can’t happen…I LIVED THRIUGH that nightmare before in a blue state and the dems want nothing more than to New York my Tennessee !
WELL said all you have to do is watch the news at 5.00 and you will see what there problem is, and it has nothing to do with GUNS.
This is a case of Denial.
Guns are not the problem in Memphis. The people who live there are the problem. Everyone involved knows it too.
Memphis is now the # 1 most dangerous city in the US.
All three items listed appear to be unconstitutional in my opinion. Would like to see numbers with regards to how many felons have been convicted of illegal firearm possession. It is my belief there are plenty of gun laws that need to be enforced before infringement of my constitutional rights.
I 100% agree. The 2nd amendment is clear as glass. Dems are anti-gun pro-criminal. I m sure every gangbanger will completely disarm on passage of an other Demoncrat law. Leave the honest taxpayer unable to defend themselves while Soros cronys lets criminals walk. We are truly doomed.
SO VERY WELL SAID but then you only see do nothing democrats push this crap.
Gun control is not a voting issue. It’s the Constitution. Here’s an idea what about Criminal and Politician CONTROL!!!
Second Amendment,
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Enough said.
In God we trust not government or man.
Have a blessed day.
I’m not sure how Memphis’ attempt to Californiaize would work in light of Tennessee Code “§ 39-17-1314. Preemption of Local Regulation of Firearms…”. No one may regulate any firearms or ammunition except for the general assembly.