On April 25, 2023, a three judge appellate panel in the Sixth Circuit court of appeals released its opinion in Scott Hardin v. ATF – No: 20-6380 (6th Cir. April 25, 2023) in which the Court held that the ATF’s regulatory reclassification of a bumpstock (pursuant to then President Donald Trump’s direction) is unconstitutional. The…
Bill Lee should listen to Bill Lee
Guest Commentary – Jeff Hartline Current Tennessee Governor Bill Lee was already successful as the CEO of a Legacy Services company based in Franklin. He was the owner of an impressive reputation from employees and customers alike, so it was not surprising that he made a successful run for Governor. Then just Bill Lee was…
Tennessee Democrat proposal for a Red Flag law
On April 20, 2023, Tennessee Firearms Association received a “leaked” draft of a Red Flag law which information indicates is likely being offered by Tennessee Democrats since it seeks to amend House Bill 1233 Senate Bill 1029 which has Democrat sponsors in the House and Senate. Of particular concern, however, is that House Republican Caucus…
Additional Red Flag proposal seeks to target individuals on specific prescriptions
Another “Red Flag” category of legislation has surfaced on April 20, 2023. This one is written as an amendment to House Bill 768 by Representative John Ragan and Senate Bill 522 by Senator Frank Nicely At this time, we have no information to indicate that either of these sponsors are cooperating with the proposed amendment…
Bill Lee calls for unconstitutional Red Flag in the last days of legislative session
On April 19, 2023, reports are suddenly surfacing that Governor Bill Lee has released a 13 page bill that would substantially change Tennessee’s criminal code and mental health codes to implement a “Red Flag” law. The proposed amendment which was released this afternoon does not indicate which bills are being amended, who the sponsors are,…
The myth of “due process” and Red Flag laws.
Governor Bill Lee made a public announcement on April 11, 2023, that he was calling on the Tennessee Legislature to pass a law – immediately – to make sure mentally ill people do not have access to firearms. He did not use the term “Red Flag” law, but that is exactly what the type of…
“Well-regulated” does not mean regulated by government.
The Second Amendment provides that “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.” The phrase has a specific purpose. That purpose is not to authorize government entities to enact laws or regulations that limit who could own…
Does the Legislature have constitutional authority to pass Governor Lee’s call for a Red Flag law?
On April 11, 2023, Governor Bill Lee called for the Tennessee Legislature to respond to the public’s emotional response to the Covenant School murders by enacting a law to make sure mentally ill people do not have access to firearms. He did not use the term “Red Flag” but that is the correct label for…
Bill Lee calls for Red Flag type law despite United States Supreme Court’s mandate
On April 11, 2023, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee made public statements calling for expanded “new” orders of protection and also calling for the passage of Red Flag laws in Tennessee. His comments are clear evidence that he either has not read the United States Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v.…
House Republican Jeremy Faison considering supporting gun control legislation
Tennessee House Democrat Caleb Hemmer filed HB1233 which is another gun control bill. Although the bill appeared dead when it was taken “off notice” in the House Criminal Practices Subcommittee on April 4, 2023, a news report since then indicate that House Republican Caucus Leader Jeremy Faison may be attempting to work with Rep Hemmer…