SPECIAL SESSION

Governor Bill Lee has declared a special session on public safety, scheduled to begin on August 21. This session will see the presentation of legislative and budgetary priorities to the Tennessee General Assembly, all with the aim of bolstering community safety while upholding the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. The proposed measures, developed through collaborative efforts involving input from both citizens and the General Assembly, encompass various facets of public safety. These include initiatives to bolster law enforcement support, address mental health concerns, prevent violent crime, combat human trafficking, and encourage responsible firearm storage practices.

Governor Lee's comprehensive agenda entails a range of vital initiatives. These comprise the simplification of record-keeping procedures for law enforcement, the pursuit of federal waivers to expand mental health coverage through TennCare, and the reinforcement of the mental health workforce. Furthermore, the plan is committed to enhancing access to mental health treatment, refining DNA collection protocols during felony arrests, and tackling the challenge of human trafficking through more effective reporting procedures. The promotion of firearm safety is also a pivotal aspect, with proposals spanning the removal of taxes on firearm safes, the distribution of free gun locks, the expansion of safe storage training, and the creation of public service announcements advocating responsible firearm storage practices. These holistic efforts underpin the state's steadfast dedication to both community protection and individual rights.

PROCLAMATION

PRESS RELEASE

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

IN THE NEWS

Gov. Bill Lee officially calls Tennessee lawmakers back for Aug. 21 special session
Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday officially called the Tennessee General Assembly back for a special session sparked by the deadly shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville.
www.tennessean.com - Aug. 8, 2023

Tennessee governor outlines agenda for special session in wake of Nashville school shooting
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday unveiled a sweeping list of public safety issues he wants lawmakers to address during an upcoming special session prompted by a shocking Nashville school shooting earlier this year that resulted in the deaths of three children and three adults.
www.apnews.com - Aug. 9, 2023

Tennessee governor sets date for special session tackling public safety
Tennessee lawmakers will convene for a special session tackling public safety in less than two weeks, the governor's office announced Tuesday.
www.fox17.com - Aug. 9, 2023

Tennessee lawmakers react to governor’s ‘public safety’ special session call
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has officially called for a special session of the General Assembly on public safety, and state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have already issued reactions to that call.
www.wkrn .com - Aug. 8, 2023

Gov. Lee Issues Official Call, Presents Legislative Priorities Ahead of Public Safety Special Session
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the special session proclamation and presented the administration’s legislative and budget priorities that will go before the Tennessee General Assembly during the special session on public safety, convening August 21.
www.tn.gov.com - Aug. 8, 2023

TN governor calls special session on ‘public safety.’ Democrats say it will do more harm than good.
The special session focused on public safety in Tennessee is officially happening. It’s set to begin Aug. 21 — as expected. Gov. Bill Lee is asking lawmakers to focus on preventing violent crime, but Democrats say it misses the mark.
www.kms.org - Aug. 9, 2023

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee releases priorities for special session on public safety set for Aug. 21
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee released the official list of priorities for a special session of the state’s General Assembly on public safety, set for Aug. 21, 2023.
www.localmemphis.com  - Aug. 8, 2023

Tennessee governor outlines agenda for special session in wake of Nashville school shooting
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday unveiled a sweeping list of public safety issues he wants lawmakers to address during an upcoming special session prompted by a shocking Nashville school shooting earlier this year that resulted in the deaths of three children and three adults.
www.newschannel9.com   - Aug. 9, 2023