Tennessee’s House Majority Whip Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville) told The Tennessee Star Thursday that he has spoken directly to Gov. Bill Lee (R) and that he will not be supporting Lee’s agenda to implement red flag laws during the upcoming special session of the General Assembly.
“There is no red flag proposal from Gov. Lee to consider as our caucus will not support the destruction of our citizens’ constitutional rights,” said Garrett. “I have been in contact with the governor and have expressed the desire to address mental illness through treatment and resources for those who may be a threat to themselves and others. These conversations will continue, and we’ll determine the best ways we can help these individuals in crisis while improving public safety in communities across our state.”
Garrett appeared on an internet show with Richard Archie of the Tennessee Firearms Association (TFA) to discuss the red flag proposals.
“Red flag laws are too restrictive,” said Garrett. “I believe out of the gate [that] a red flag law that goes after guns first, that wants to take someone’s constitutional right away from them is unconstitutional. It could be used in ways to be abused. It may not have the effect that we are looking to take care of those that are truly sick.”
“What if someone tries to say, this person is suspicious, this person maybe walking down the sidewalk on the wrong side of the road, all of sudden we’re gonna swoop in and take whatever objects he might have a constitutional right to carry including a gun, and I think that’s too extreme,” said Garrett.
Lee introduced the idea of red flag laws after a mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville at the end of March.
“After much input from members of the General Assembly and discussions with legislative leadership, we have decided to call a special session to continue our work to protect Tennessee communities and preserve constitutional rights,” Lee said in a statement after the shooting.
“There is broad agreement that dangerous, unstable individuals who intend to harm themselves or others should not have access to weapons,” Lee added. “We also share a strong commitment to preserving Second Amendment rights, ensuring due process and addressing the heart of the problem with strengthened mental health resources.”
“I look forward to continued partnership with the General Assembly as we pursue thoughtful, practical solutions to keep Tennesseans safe,” he said.
But Tennessee’s elected Republicans seem to have different input.
“Any red flag law is a non-starter for House Republicans,” the House majority party said on Twitter in April. “Our caucus is focused on finding solutions that prevent dangerous individuals from harming the public and preserve the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. We have always been open to working with Governor Lee on measures that fit within that framework.”
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter.
Background Photo “Tennessee House of Chambers Floor” by Antony-22. CC BY-SA 4.0.
