In April 2023, Bill Lee proposed a “Red Flag” law in Tennessee. He tries to, in the concerning words of Senator Jack Johnson, “rebrand” it as a “temporary mental health order of protection” but it is simply a Red Flag law. This is not at all surprising from a Governor who identifies as a Republican…
Bill Lee calls Red Flag special legislative session for August 21, 2023
On May 8, 2023, Governor Bill Lee’s office issued a statement that “he will call for the Tennessee General Assembly to convene a special legislative session on August 21, 2023, to strengthen public safety and preserve constitutional rights.” He has also asked for the public to leave comments about his Red Flag Special Session on…
James Hammond and Tennessee Firearms Association file open records lawsuit over Covenant School manifesto
On May 1, 2023, James Hammond, former sheriff for Hamilton County, Tennessee, and the Tennessee Firearms Association, in cooperation with Judicial Watch, filed a lawsuit in the Chancery Court of Tennessee, Davidson County, against the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (“Metro”). In the lawsuit, the parties ask for a court order to force…
Bill Lee attacks the Second Amendment with a Red Flag proposal
Governor Bill Lee called on the Tennessee Legislature to pass a Red Flag law – one that he proposed – before the 2023 Legislative session ended. The Legislators did not consider his proposal but instead they wrapped up business – they thought – and adjourned until January 2024. Governor Lee, apparently thinking of himself as…
Sixth Circuit holds ATF Bumpstock ban unconstitutional.
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…