The Tennessee House Republican Caucus responded to Governor Bill Lee’s official special session proclamation for the Tennessee General Assembly to convene at 4 p.m. on August 21.
Please see below for a statement on special session. pic.twitter.com/3HsJAiI9lD
— TN House Republicans (@tnhousegop) August 8, 2023
“The Governor has requested and informed the General Assembly of the call for special session on August 21. We look forward to the opportunity to strengthen public safety and mental health resources without infringing on the rights of law-abiding Tennesseans,” the Tennessee House Republican Caucus released in an official statement on social media.
Most notably, in his official proclamation, Lee wants lawmakers to consider passing a so-called “red flag” bill which he calls “temporary mental health orders of protection,” as previously reported by The Tennessee Star.
Also referred to as “Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs),” Lee’s proposal would allow the revocation of Second Amendment rights to individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.
BREAKING: Lee has now OFFICIALLY made the call, and it is the same as in the quoted tweet.
It will mostly focus on mental health and crime.
Sen. Jack Johnson on Lee's ERPO: "I do not anticipate that passing."@WKRN#TNLeg23 https://t.co/xEinpObUoy pic.twitter.com/fzeADMGN1t
— Chris O’Brien (@THEChrisOB) August 8, 2023
During an interview with WKRN News 2, State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) acknowledged Lee’s request for ERPOs; however, he added, “I do not anticipate that passing and I do not support it.”
Johnson said, “But there are other things that are in the call and there are other things that I think the Governor would like to see considered in the special session that have absolutely nothing to do with guns or gun rights. We are reviewing that legislation and we will be deciding over the coming days what we can support and what we’re willing to file.”
As our nation faces evolving public safety threats, TN is taking action to protect communities & preserve constitutional rights. I thank the legislature for its continued partnership & look forward to achieving meaningful results for Tennesseans. https://t.co/4LMLPCI0y9
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) August 8, 2023
In a statement following the release of his proclamation, Lee said, “As our nation faces evolving public safety threats, Tennessee remains vigilant and is taking continued action to protect communities while preserving the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.”
“In the months leading up to the public safety special session, we have listened to Tennesseans and worked with members of the General Assembly to identify thoughtful, practical measures to strengthen public safety across our state, including steps to support law enforcement, address mental health, prevent violent crime and stop human trafficking. I thank the General Assembly for its continued partnership and look forward to achieving meaningful results for Tennesseans,” Lee added.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Lee is a weak rino. Tried telling family that live there not to vote for him but they didn’t listen. Laws only apply to law abiding citizens you commie idiots. Criminals will be criminals. Don’t make Tennessee into another Commiefornia.
Pure hogwash – Tennessee already has provisions on the books to deal with mentally ill individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others,including involuntary commitment for observation and, of course, removal of any weapons.
What “Lockdown Lee” is advocating is a gun grab, nothing less. Track the votes and remember how your state representative and state senator voted come next election.
The proper response would have been complete silence and refusal to show up for the session. Hard to do business without a quorum.