Tennessee poll shows focus on dangerous people over guns, as governor promotes ‘Order of Protection’ law.
Tennesseans Want Dangerous People Arrested, Not Guns Confiscated, Poll Shows
According to a recent co/efficient poll, most Tennesseans want authorities to focus on arresting dangerous people rather than confiscating weapons from those deemed mentally ill. This comes as Republican Governor Bill Lee pushes for a variation of a red flag law following the Covenant School shooting. However, two-thirds of those surveyed want current laws to be enforced to remove dangerous people from the public.
“To be clear, the Governor does not support red flag laws. His proposal is different from any law across the country – it would strengthen Tennessee’s existing law around the order of protection process for cases of domestic violence and enhance support for law enforcement, ensure due process, require the highest burden of proof, and boost mental health support,” said Press Secretary Jade Byers.
The co/efficient survey, conducted between May 30 and June 1, gathered data from 1,770 likely general election voters. According to the poll, Lee gained support among voters when he signed a bill into law requiring an armed security officer at every Tennessee public school — 77% of those surveyed supported the move.
Opposition to Red Flag Laws
Red flag laws, also called “extreme risk protection” laws, are in effect in 19 states — including in Republican-led Indiana and Florida. The controversial laws specifically target those deemed to have mental health issues and allow a state court to issue an order for law enforcement to confiscate weapons from those ruled to be at risk. However, opponents of red flag laws argue that they pose a threat to Second Amendment rights and due process, and do not prevent criminal acts.
Lee’s proposal is slightly different as it requires a hearing where a person can offer a defense before a judge would be allowed to order authorities to confiscate weapons. Before ordering that a person’s guns be taken away, a judge would have to see proof of “mental illness, serious behavioral condition or serious emotional disturbance.”
When first surveyed, 62% of Tennessee voters backed a red flag law, but that support dropped to just 41% after the survey explained that the law confiscates firearms of those deemed to have a mental illness but “leaves threatening individuals in the community.” Thirty-seven percent said they oppose a red flag law and 22% are unsure.
Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton told The Daily Wire that he is currently working to prepare for the special session, emphasizing that he wants to focus on re-examining existing laws.
“I do not support red flag laws,” Sexton said. “We have existing laws in code that can be used; we must re-examine how they are or are not working, revise them if necessary, and close any existing loopholes.”
It’s important to note that this proposal is just one part of the ongoing, larger conversation with legislators about a number of proposals to strengthen public safety and preserve constitutional rights. The Governor will continue to work with the General Assembly to secure schools and protect communities, just like we did with our strong school safety package this year, which included more than $230 million to various school security and mental health resources.
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